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Deckhands Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Deckhand

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$20.66 - $27.31/hr

Deckhands work aboard tugboats towing barges under the direction and supervision of the Captain and/or Mate. They perform a variety of hands-on physical duties, often on unstable marine platforms and ...

Deckhand

Mount Vernon, VA

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

We're hiring Deckhands for the 2026 season. You'll work on our ships to ensure a safe and seamless voyage for all our guests, as a proud representative of our brand. This is a temporary position ...

Deckhand

Mount Vernon, VA ยท On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

We're hiring Deckhands for the 2026 season. You'll work on our ships to ensure a safe and seamless voyage for all our guests, as a proud representative of our brand. This is a temporary position ...

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Deckhands information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$30

$74

How much do deckhands jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for deckhands in Virginia is $30.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $40.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Deckhands vs Marine Assistants?

AspectDeckhandsMarine Assistants
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, First AidSTCW Basic Safety, First Aid
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, boats, yachtsOnboard ships, boats, yachts
Industry UsageMaritime, recreational, commercialMaritime, recreational, commercial
Job ResponsibilitiesDeck maintenance, mooring, cargo handlingDeck maintenance, assisting crew, safety tasks

Deckhands and Marine Assistants often share similar certifications and work environments, primarily working onboard ships and boats in the maritime industry. While deckhands focus more on cargo handling and deck maintenance, Marine Assistants typically assist with general deck duties and safety tasks. Both roles are essential for vessel operations and require comparable training, making them closely related in the maritime workforce.

What jobs do deckhands do?

Deckhands perform tasks related to the maintenance, operation, and safety of a vessel. Their duties include handling lines and cargo, cleaning and painting the deck, assisting with navigation, and supporting crew members. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may need safety certifications such as STCW or OSHA training.

What qualifications do I need to be a deckhand?

To become a deckhand, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic physical fitness. Maritime experience or certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) may be required, along with the ability to work in a physically demanding environment and follow safety protocols.

How much money do you make as a deckhand?

Deckhands typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the type of vessel. They often receive additional compensation through tips and overtime, and may need certifications such as STCW or CPR to qualify for higher-paying positions.

How do you get a job as a deckhand?

To become a deckhand, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience through entry-level maritime jobs or certifications such as STCW. Physical fitness, good teamwork skills, and familiarity with safety procedures are important, and some employers require a valid maritime or safety certification. Applying directly to maritime companies or through job boards specializing in maritime employment can help find opportunities.
What are popular job titles related to Deckhands jobs in Virginia? For Deckhands jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Deckhands jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Deckhands jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Deckhands job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,691 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

$20.66 - $27.31/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Pay: $20.66 - $27.31/Hourly
Per Diem: $120+/Daily
Location: Newport News, VA
Duration: 2+ Years
Background Check and Drug Test Required
U.S. Citizenship Required
Required Experience:
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Minimum of two years' experience on tugboats
  • Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards.
  • Must possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats, and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand

General Duties & Responsibilities:
Deckhands work aboard tugboats towing barges under the direction and supervision of the Captain and/or Mate. They perform a variety of hands-on physical duties, often on unstable marine platforms and in all kinds of inclement weather. Given the nature of the job, deckhands require strength, flexibility, dexterity, and balance to perform their functions safely. Deckhands are required to be capable of lifting and carrying a variety of equipment. They must be unrestricted in their capabilities to pull, push, climb and walk onboard tugs, barges and piers.
Duties that Deckhands are expected to perform are:
โ€ข Making sure all necessary towing gear is in good order, properly stowed, and ready for use.
โ€ข Making sure tug and barge equipment is in good operating condition.
โ€ข Making sure barges are moored safely along piers and ships
โ€ข Making sure all hatches are properly secured to prevent ingress of water.
โ€ข Knowing where all emergency equipment is located and ensuring first aid kit is fully stocked.
โ€ข Act as lookout during the navigation of a tug.
โ€ข Perform periodic checks of the engine room and including the bilges, fluid levels on main and auxiliary engines and gear boxes, and battery water levels.
โ€ข Keep all areas of the tug in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
โ€ข Take direction from the Captain or the Mate as required.
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range