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The differences between deckhands and mates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a deckhand has an average salary of $56,163, which is higher than the $38,913 average annual salary of a mate.
The top three skills for a deckhand include TWIC, vessel maintenance and mooring lines. The most important skills for a mate are safety equipment, vessel maintenance, and mates.
| Deckhand | Mate | |
| Yearly salary | $56,163 | $38,913 |
| Hourly rate | $27.00 | $18.71 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 500 | 301 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 33 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A deckhand is a seafarer whose role primarily revolves around performing manual tasks, mostly directed by a manager or higher authority. They are mainly responsible for maintaining cleanliness, keeping the machines well-oiled and in good condition, handling cargo, and operating various equipment for navigation and communication. There are also instances when a deckhand can prepare meals, serve clients, and even prepare cabins. Furthermore, a deckhand needs to coordinate with fellow seafarers at all times, as working in a ship can be very unpredictable.
A Mate is the seafaring captain's assistant in charge of the ship's welfare and crew on board. The Chief Mate is responsible for leading the team. They stabilize vessel cargo operations as well as deck crew supervision. The Second Mate focuses on navigation aspects such as updating publications and charts, directing line handlers and anchor detail, and training crew members. The Third Mate is a junior qualified watch-stander focusing on ensuring aspects of safety. Their responsibilities include ensuring equipment on board, including lifeboats and gear locker, is safe and operational.
Deckhands and mates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Deckhand | Mate | |
| Average salary | $56,163 | $38,913 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $145,000 | Between $22,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bayonne, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Enterprise Products Partners | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a deckhand and a mate in terms of educational background:
| Deckhand | Mate | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between deckhands' and mates' demographics:
| Deckhand | Mate | |
| Average age | 33 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.9% Unknown, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 4.8% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 3.1% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 11% |