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Sailing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LOS GATOS COMMUNITY

Sailing Instructor

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$23.65 - $35.88/hr

Sailing Instructor should have previous experience racing small boats or experience teaching youth sailing. Includes the following but no limited to: * Develop daily lesson plans making full and ...

Dartmouth College

Sailing Instructor

Hanover, NH · On-site

Position Details Position Information Position Title Sailing Instructor Position Number 0000000 Hiring Range Minimum $16.25 Hiring Range Maximum $18.75 Location of Position Enfield, NH Advertisement ...

Lake Forest

Sailing Instructor/Race Coach

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Description Lake Forest Sailing is hiring instructors and coaches for Summer 2026. Located in Lake Forest, IL on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, our program has a strong record of success ...

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Sailing information

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How much do sailing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for sailing in the United States is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are different types of sailing jobs?

Sailing jobs refer to careers or roles that involve working on or with sailboats and yachts. These can include positions such as sailing instructors, yacht crew members, charter captains, deckhands, and maintenance staff. People in sailing jobs may work on private yachts, with charter companies, at sailing schools, or in boat maintenance and repair. Responsibilities can range from navigating and maintaining the vessel to teaching sailing techniques or ensuring the safety of passengers. Sailing jobs often require practical seamanship skills, certifications, and a love for being on the water.

What are the qualifications to get a sailing job?

To get a job in the sailing industry, you need basic safety training and certification. Commercially registered yachts have legal requirements for the crew while other boat qualifications vary. Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) training includes standard fire prevention and firefighting, first aid, and survival techniques. Maritime training is done through various organizations and employers look for applicants with hands-on experience. You also need a passport for any international travel. Other essential skills are knowing proper nautical terminology, physical stamina, and the ability to maintain calm under stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sailor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sailor, you need strong seamanship, navigation, and safety knowledge, often supported by certifications such as a boating license or STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). Familiarity with navigation systems, communication devices, and vessel maintenance tools is essential. Teamwork, adaptability, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for handling the dynamic environment at sea. These competencies ensure safety, efficient vessel operation, and effective response to changing maritime conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by professional sailors when working as part of a racing crew?

Professional sailors working on a racing crew often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining clear and effective communication with teammates, and executing complex maneuvers under pressure. The role requires strong teamwork, as each crew member relies on others for safety and performance. Additionally, long hours on the water and physically demanding tasks can be taxing, but these experiences foster resilience and camaraderie within the team.

What is the difference between Sailing vs Boating?

AspectSailing
Required CredentialsTypically requires sailing certifications or licenses, such as US Sailing certifications
Work EnvironmentOpen water, coastal or offshore locations, often involves navigation and weather assessment
Employer & Industry UsageMarinas, yacht clubs, charter companies, maritime tourism
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar recreational activities and skills involved

While both sailing and boating involve operating watercraft, sailing specifically refers to navigating boats powered primarily by sails, requiring knowledge of wind and navigation. Boating is a broader term that includes operating motorboats, kayaks, and other watercraft, often with different skill sets and certifications. Understanding these differences helps enthusiasts and professionals choose the right path for their interests or careers.

Can I sail with no experience?

Sailing jobs often require some level of experience, but entry-level positions or training programs may accept beginners. Basic skills such as understanding navigation, safety procedures, and operating equipment are typically learned on the job or through sailing courses before starting a professional role.

How to get a job sailing?

To get a sailing job, gain relevant experience through sailing courses and certifications such as STCW or RYA certifications. Look for opportunities on maritime job boards, network within the sailing community, and prepare a resume highlighting your sailing skills and safety training.
More about Sailing jobs

What cities are hiring for Sailing jobs?

Cities with the most Sailing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sailing jobs?

The most popular types of Sailing jobs are:

What states have the most Sailing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sailing jobs include:

Sailing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sailing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,266 per year, or $17 per hour.

Seeking Sailing School and Club Instructors, Coaches, and Guides!

Island Sailing School & Club

Portland, OR • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Thank you for your interest in teaching at Island Sailing!


If you are looking to learn more about joining our crew you've come to the right place! We are always looking for good USCG licensed and certified (ASA or US Sailing) sailing instructors to teach our many wonderful students here at Island Sailing - you'll be able to teach as much as you'd like!


  • We are seeking instructors for all levels of classes.
  • We have opportunities for captains to teach classes; work with clients in private coaching sessions; take new folks out for discovery sails; and more!
  • If you have racing experience we also have additional amazing opportunities available we would love to discuss with you!


About Us


Our mission is simple: we actively and consciously seek to continually be creating the best possible space for people to learn and get into sailing together with a great community of like minded members who together and individually can create and share their sailing experiences.


At Island Sailing our crew culture is of prime importance to us. Though we are one of the largest sailing operations in the Northwest, we are indeed a small, dynamic, and growing crew and developing, fostering, and maintaining a healthy, positive, and supportive environment for everyone involved is a core focus for us.


Island Sailing School is focused on the "academy model" in that we have lengthened our classes from the industry standard of two days to three sessions each and we hold those classes on weekends and during the week. We also have limited the number of students to three per boat which dramatically improves the experience for both our students and instructors.


As one of the oldest American Sailing Association accredited sailing schools we more than happy to work with you to become an ASA certified instructor if you haven't already been teaching ASA courses - we can guide and support you through the process of gaining those valuable certifications. Sailing experience and having your Coast Guard license is required.


How This Works


You'll receive a confirmation email from us letting us know we've received your application. We will of course review your application right away and notify you quickly of the next steps in the process.


Just Some of What We Value at Island Sailing


  • We believe that seamanship should be at the heart of everything we do when out there on the water. We think of seamanship as much more than a list of do's and don'ts or specific skills - instead we see seamanship as an attitude of approach.
  • We believe that in teaching it is very important to be "the guide on the side" and not "the sage on the stage".
  • We believe that sailing is much much more than just a "sport" or a "hobby" - instead to us it is a lifelong passion and an incredibly empowering pursuit that we love to share.
  • We believe that sharing our passion with others to help them become and grow as sailors is one of the most rewarding things we can do.


What You'll Love About Us


  • We believe that culture matters! We focus on and work diligently to ensure a continuing process of creating, fostering, improving and maintaining the best possible company culture - and you will be part of helping us make that happen.
  • We believe that supporting our instructors in everyway we can is critical.
  • We will support you as a captain and instructor and we never pressure our instructors to certify someone even if they feel the individual may need more coaching.
  • We will support you if you have the skills, experience, and licensing to teach in other areas of the world - if this interests you let's talk!
  • We will happily work with you to allow you access to our fleet for your personal enjoyment should you currently not own a sailboat of your own.


Thank you very much for taking the time to consider these opportunities and possibilities and we look very much forward to talking with you!


We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Because we value our crew, our culture, and our clients, we require that all candidates that receive and accept employment offers complete a background check as part of the hiring process.


Apply