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The differences between deckhands and ship stewards 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 $31,683 average annual salary of a ship steward.
The top three skills for a deckhand include TWIC, vessel maintenance and mooring lines. The most important skills for a ship steward are cleanliness, kitchen equipment, and culinary.
| Deckhand | Ship Steward | |
| Yearly salary | $56,163 | $31,683 |
| Hourly rate | $27.00 | $15.23 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 500 | 42,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 33 | 55 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 ship steward's responsibilities will vary depending on whether they work in housekeeping, the kitchen, or as a guide in a cruise ship. Most of the time, the duties of a ship steward will revolve around assisting and engaging with guests, ensuring that they are satisfied with the services and amenities. There are also instances when a ship steward must maintain cleanliness and order and coordinate with managers and supervisors. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the policies and safety standards at all times, making sure to provide a safe and hospitable environment for all guests.
Deckhands and ship stewards have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Deckhand | Ship Steward | |
| Average salary | $56,163 | $31,683 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $145,000 | Between $16,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bayonne, NJ | Juneau, AK |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Enterprise Products Partners | Intuitive Surgical |
| Best paying industry | - | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a deckhand and a ship steward in terms of educational background:
| Deckhand | Ship Steward | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between deckhands' and ship stewards' demographics:
| Deckhand | Ship Steward | |
| Average age | 33 | 55 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 68.8% Female, 31.2% |
| 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, 29.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 4.7% White, 44.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 13% |