ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Below Deck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Chico, CA

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

As an Aviation Boatswain's Mate - Fuel, better known as a "Grape," you'll ensure that high-quality fuel is distributed to every part of the ship--from refining fuel below deck to gassing up the jets ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsBelow Deck Jobs

Below Deck information

See salary details

$15

$22

$31

How much do below deck jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for below deck in the United States is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by crew members working on a yacht featured on Below Deck, and how can they be managed?

Crew members on yachts like those featured on Below Deck often face the challenge of working long hours in a high-pressure, customer-focused environment where expectations for service are exceptionally high. Balancing the demands of guests with teamwork and maintaining professionalism in a confined living space can be tough. Successful crew members manage these challenges by communicating effectively, staying organized, and maintaining a positive attitude even under stress. Adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are crucial for resolving conflicts and ensuring smooth operations both above and below deck.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Yacht Crew Member (Below Deck), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Yacht Crew Member, you need strong seamanship, hospitality skills, and relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Familiarity with marine safety equipment, yacht maintenance tools, and inventory management systems is typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and customer service skills help you stand out in this demanding and close-quarters environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring guest satisfaction, smooth operations, and the safety of everyone on board.

What is a 'Below Deck' crew member?

A 'Below Deck' crew member refers to the staff working on luxury yachts featured in the reality TV series 'Below Deck.' These crew members include positions such as deckhands, stewards, chefs, and engineers, all responsible for the daily operations and guest services on board. Their duties range from maintaining the yacht and assisting with navigation to preparing meals and ensuring guest satisfaction. The show highlights the challenges and dynamics of working in the yachting industry, often showcasing long hours, teamwork, and high standards of service. Crew members typically have prior experience and specialized training in hospitality or maritime operations.

What is the difference between Below Deck vs Deckhand?

AspectBelow DeckDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, ENG1 MedicalSTCW Basic Safety, ENG1 Medical
Work EnvironmentLuxury yachts, high-end clienteleYachts, boats, marine environments
Employer & IndustryYacht crew on luxury vesselsMaritime industry, yacht crew
Common Search IntentRoles on luxury yachts, crew positionsEntry-level yacht crew, deck roles

Below Deck is a popular TV series depicting yacht crew life, but in real life, a Deckhand is an entry-level position on yachts responsible for maintenance, cleaning, and assisting the crew. While both roles are part of the yacht crew, Below Deck refers to the show, whereas Deckhand is a specific job title within the industry. Deckhands typically hold similar certifications and work in similar environments, making them closely related in the maritime and luxury yacht industry.

More about Below Deck jobs
What cities are hiring for Below Deck jobs? Cities with the most Below Deck job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Below Deck jobs? The most popular types of Below Deck jobs are:
What states have the most Below Deck jobs? States with the most job openings for Below Deck jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Below Deck jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Below Deck jobs are:
Below Deck jobs near you
Infographic showing various Below Deck job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,162 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

U.S. Navy

Kenner, LA

$13 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

A Navy aircraft carrier can hold over a million gallons of fuel, or the approximate equivalent of 2 Olympic swimming pools. As an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Fuel, better known as a “Grape,” you’ll ensure that high-quality fuel is distributed to every part of the ship—from refining fuel below deck to gassing up the jets on the flight deck. Your job keeps our aircraft in the sky and the Navy’s engines running no matter the mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel (ABF) Sailors are responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship. Specifically, your responsibilities as an ABF may include:

  • Fueling aircraft and operating and maintaining aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems
  • Enforcing safety and handling precautions
  • Refining fuel for quality
  • Supervising fuel farms and fueling equipment
  • Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to fuel and lubricating oil spaces
  • Operating purging and protective systems aboard ships

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Most of the work in this rating is performed outdoors on the aircraft carrier flight deck, in all climates and conditions. The work is fast-paced, and ABFs typically work closely with others in aviation ratings. You will not spend your entire career at sea; you may also work with an aircraft squadron during a shore duty rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Aviation Boatswain’s Mates in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
  • For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Navy Jobs

Apply