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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

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

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

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $24/hr

The Deckhand reports to the Captain and Mate as appropriate. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following: * Carrying out all lawful orders. * Reporting unsafe situations ...

Deckhand

Norfolk, 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 Sep 2, 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.

How do you get a job as a deckhand?

To become a deckhand, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant maritime certifications such as STCW or OSHA safety training. Prior experience in boating or manual labor can be beneficial, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work. Applying directly to maritime companies or through job boards specializing in maritime employment is common.

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 OSHA to qualify for higher-paying positions.

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 during voyages. They often work in outdoor environments and may need safety certifications such as OSHA or STCW.

What qualifications do I need to be a deckhand?

To become a deckhand, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass physical fitness tests. Relevant skills include basic seamanship, safety knowledge, and the ability to perform manual labor; some positions may require certifications such as STCW or CPR. Prior experience on boats or in maritime environments can be advantageous but is not always mandatory.

What are popular job titles related to Deckhands jobs in Virginia?

For Deckhands jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Deckhands job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% 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 22 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