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Summer Deckhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Lady

Deckhand

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Meet great friends and enjoy a summer working on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain, if interested.

Mystic Seaport Museum

SABINO Deckhand

Mystic, CT · On-site

$17/hr

Deckhands assist in general shipboard duties including cleaning, daily maintenance, and line ... summer, and fall. This position requires an ability to maintain high levels of visual and mental ...

Mystic Seaport Museum

SABINO Deckhand

Mystic, CT · On-site

$17/hr

Deckhands assist in general shipboard duties including cleaning, daily maintenance, and line ... summer, and fall. This position requires an ability to maintain high levels of visual and mental ...

Mystic Seaport Museum

SABINO Deckhand

Mystic, CT

$17/hr

Deckhands assist in general shipboard duties including cleaning, daily maintenance, and line ... summer, and fall. This position requires an ability to maintain high levels of visual and mental ...

V2X

The Deckhand is responsible for assisting sea vessel operations transporting crew members ... the summer months). * Includes some industrial production environment conditions as well. * The ...

V2X

The Deckhand is responsible for assisting sea vessel operations transporting crew members ... the summer months). * Includes some industrial production environment conditions as well. * The ...

Continental Services

Deck Crew

Saint Clair Shores, MI

$16 - $18/hr

Description WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR Continental is seeking a standout IOYC Deck Crew team member ready to spend the summer on the water while delivering exceptional guest experiences aboard Infinity ...

Mystic Seaport Museum

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... deckhands (SABINO) · Communicate any problems, issues or maintenance needs to supervisor ... summer, and fall. This position requires an ability to maintain high levels of visual and mental ...

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Summer Deckhand information

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$12

$21

$30

How much do summer deckhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer deckhand in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Summer Deckhand job?

A Summer Deckhand is a seasonal crew member who assists with the maintenance, cleaning, and operation of a boat or ship. Responsibilities typically include handling ropes, securing vessels, cleaning decks, and helping passengers or crew as needed. This role is common in commercial, recreational, or charter boating industries. It requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to work as part of a team.

What is a seasonal deckhand?

A seasonal deckhand is a maritime worker employed during specific seasons, typically summer, to assist with tasks such as boat maintenance, docking, and safety procedures. The role often requires physical labor, basic seamanship skills, and sometimes certifications like CPR or safety training, with employment lasting only as long as the season. This position is common on recreational and commercial vessels operating in peak seasons.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Summer Deckhand position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Deckhand, you need strong physical fitness, basic seamanship knowledge, and the ability to follow safety procedures and instructions. Familiarity with marine equipment, basic first aid certification, and experience using ropes, cleaning supplies, and small tools are often required. Teamwork, adaptability, reliability, and effective communication stand out as crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are vital to ensure operational efficiency, maintain vessel safety, and support a positive onboard environment during busy summer boating seasons.

Where do deckhands get paid the most?

Deckhands tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong maritime industry, such as major port cities or areas with significant commercial or recreational boating activity. Factors like experience, certifications, and the type of vessel also influence pay rates, with offshore and commercial operations generally offering higher compensation than recreational or local work.

How do I become a deckhand with no experience?

To become a deckhand, no experience is often required as many employers provide on-the-job training. It helps to have basic physical fitness, a willingness to learn, and sometimes a valid maritime or safety certification such as STCW or OSHA. Starting with entry-level positions, gaining experience on smaller vessels, and demonstrating reliability can improve chances of advancement.

What are typical day-to-day duties for a Summer Deckhand?

As a Summer Deckhand, your daily responsibilities may include assisting with docking and undocking procedures, cleaning and maintaining the vessel, handling ropes and fenders, and helping passengers safely embark and disembark. You’ll also perform routine safety checks and support the captain and crew in various tasks as needed. This role often requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and adapting to changing priorities throughout the day. Working closely with other crew members fosters teamwork and provides valuable learning opportunities for those interested in maritime careers.

Are deckhands in demand?

Deckhands are in steady demand in the maritime and recreational boating industries, especially during peak seasons. Employment opportunities often depend on the location, industry growth, and the ability to perform physical tasks and safety procedures. Certifications such as CPR and maritime safety training can improve job prospects.
More about Summer Deckhand jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Deckhand jobs? Cities with the most Summer Deckhand job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Deckhand jobs? The most popular types of Deckhand jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Deckhand jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Deckhand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Deckhand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Deckhand jobs are:
Summer Deckhand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Deckhand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 38% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,879 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Deckhand

First Lady

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

First Lady, the industry leader in Chicago tours and private events, is seeking a Deckhand to join our exciting and high-volume workplace. Serving Chicago for over 80 years, our company has grown to include nine vessels operating every March - November from our Riverwalk location at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. First Lady is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through great service, outstanding products, operational excellence and innovative leadership.
Benefits offered to eligible seasonal employees include:
Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Time
Pre-Tax Transit benefits
Transit Pass Reimbursement Benefits
401K program
Employee Ticket Benefits
No maritime experience necessary, we will train you to work aboard our U.S. Passenger Vessels. A good attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to greet passengers is all you need. Our boats provide architecture tours and host private events. Meet great friends and enjoy a summer working on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain, if interested.
Please note Deckhands are considered Department of Transportation employees, and therefore are subject to both pre-employment and random drug screenings.
  • U.S. citizens only, per the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required upon completion of your probationary period for this position
  • Drug and background tests required.
  • Morning, afternoon, evening and part time shifts are available.
  • Public transit reimbursement and year-round benefits available for full-time, year-round crew members.

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