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Fishing vessel deckhand salary
Average fishing vessel deckhand salary
$50,292
Average Salary for Fishing Vessel Deckhands
As of October 2025, the national average salary for a Fishing Vessel Deckhand is $50,292 annually. This figure represents a competitive wage in the maritime industry, reflecting the skills and responsibilities required for the job. Deckhands play a crucial role in maintaining the vessel, assisting with fishing operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Factors Influencing Salary
Salary can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Location: States with a high volume of fishing activity, like Alaska and Washington, often offer higher wages.
- Experience: Entry-level deckhands may earn less, while those with more experience can command higher salaries.
- Type of Vessel: Deckhands on commercial vessels may earn more than those on smaller boats.
In addition to base salary, deckhands may receive overtime pay, bonuses, or benefits, enhancing overall compensation.
Job Opportunities
Jobseekers can find positions on job boards like Zippia, which provides comprehensive resources for applying and navigating the maritime workforce. Explore opportunities in your area to start your career as a Fishing Vessel Deckhand.
Let Zippia find your next fishing vessel deckhand job
Let Zippia find your next fishing vessel deckhand job
Where can a Fishing Vessel Deckhand earn more?
Average fishing vessel deckhand salary by state
The average fishing vessel deckhand salary in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average fishing vessel deckhand salary states are Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for fishing vessel deckhands
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $75,018 | $36.07 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $75,941 | $36.51 |
| 3 | Delaware | $66,189 | $31.82 |
| 4 | Illinois | $54,869 | $26.38 |
| 5 | Maryland | $65,155 | $31.32 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $57,144 | $27.47 |
| 7 | Alaska | $47,769 | $22.97 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $62,770 | $30.18 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $56,539 | $27.18 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $60,045 | $28.87 |
| 11 | District of Columbia | $64,832 | $31.17 |
| 12 | Ohio | $50,128 | $24.10 |
| 13 | Virginia | $53,805 | $25.87 |
| 14 | Michigan | $50,375 | $24.22 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $53,706 | $25.82 |
| 16 | West Virginia | $51,254 | $24.64 |
| 17 | Iowa | $46,139 | $22.18 |
| 18 | Texas | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| 19 | Indiana | $40,797 | $19.61 |
| 20 | Nevada | $42,661 | $20.51 |
| 21 | Vermont | $49,358 | $23.73 |
| 22 | Kentucky | $41,203 | $19.81 |
| 23 | Arizona | $43,021 | $20.68 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $44,139 | $21.22 |
| 25 | Maine | $41,464 | $19.93 |
| 26 | Hawaii | $40,316 | $19.38 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $39,469 | $18.98 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $41,743 | $20.07 |
| 29 | South Carolina | $41,355 | $19.88 |
| 30 | Louisiana | $38,169 | $18.35 |
| 31 | Tennessee | $37,941 | $18.24 |
| 32 | Alabama | $36,761 | $17.67 |
| 33 | California | $46,340 | $22.28 |
| 34 | Kansas | $41,446 | $19.93 |
| 35 | New Mexico | $41,804 | $20.10 |
| 36 | Florida | $37,348 | $17.96 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $38,058 | $18.30 |
| 38 | North Dakota | $36,382 | $17.49 |
| 39 | Minnesota | $37,945 | $18.24 |
| 40 | Missouri | $34,626 | $16.65 |
| 41 | Georgia | $38,618 | $18.57 |
| 42 | South Dakota | $33,262 | $15.99 |
| 43 | Montana | $29,602 | $14.23 |
| 44 | Washington | $26,584 | $12.78 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $34,921 | $16.79 |
| 46 | Colorado | $29,321 | $14.10 |
| 47 | Nebraska | $32,100 | $15.43 |
| 48 | Utah | $28,364 | $13.64 |
| 49 | Oregon | $26,288 | $12.64 |
| 50 | Wyoming | $27,010 | $12.99 |
| 51 | Idaho | $26,096 | $12.55 |
Highest paying cities for fishing vessel deckhands
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Channelview, TX | $47,245 | $22.71 |
| 2 | Kansas City, MO | $33,089 | $15.91 |
Fishing vessel deckhand salary details
A fishing vessel deckhand's salary ranges from $20,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $121,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a fishing vessel deckhand's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $121,000 | $10,083 | $58 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,000 | $6,667 | $38 |
| Average | $50,292 | $4,191 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
Highest paying fishing vessel deckhand jobs
The highest paying types of fishing vessel deckhands are waterman, deckhand, and commercial crabber.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deckhand | $56,163 | $4,680 | $27.00 | 500 |
Top companies hiring fishing vessel deckhands now:
Which companies pay fishing vessel deckhands the most?
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Commercial Lines | $41,181 | $19.80 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Fishing vessel deckhand salary trends
The average fishing vessel deckhand salary has risen by $10,863 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average fishing vessel deckhand earned $39,429 annually, but today, they earn $50,292 a year. That works out to a 27% change in pay for fishing vessel deckhands over the last decade.
Compare fishing vessel deckhand salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average fishing vessel deckhand salary over time
Compare fishing vessel deckhand salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Fishing vessel deckhand salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,300 | $24.18 | +8.4% |
| 2024 | $46,100 | $22.15 | +6.6% |
| 2023 | $43,000 | $20.68 | +3.9% |
| 2022 | $41,300 | $19.88 | +4.2% |
| 2021 | $39,600 | $19.03 | -0.8% |
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