Since the Wicked Tuna TV series aired, there has been an increase in guys wanting to become deckhands. You can read some advice lower down the page on how to get into the tuna fishing industry, but let’s start with an important question first: how much does a deckhand make on a tuna boat?

Deckhands on a tuna boat can make $300 if the boat catches $2,000 worth of tuna. This is based on a percentage allocation of around 15% as a cut of the total earnings from the catch. The more the tuna boat catches, the more a deckhand will make. 

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Tuna boat deckhand salary

As part of my research into how much a deckhand can earn on a tuna boat, I had a look at some of those salary estimation websites. They believe that a deckhand in the tuna fishing industry can make these types of wages each year:

  • Annual salary range: $36,453 to $53,142
  • Average annual earnings: $42,703

If you are considering becoming a deckhand, I would take those numbers with a large pinch of salt. I don’t believe they are in any way accurate, and should not be used to determine what your annual salary and earnings could be.

Let me tell you why.

The reality of deckhand earnings in the tuna fishing industry

You don’t own the boat. You are the lowest rung on the ladder. You could quite feasibly earn more money by flipping burgers at McDonalds.

It’s sad, but true.

I am not trying to put you off, but with most tuna boats paying around 15% to the deckhand once the expenses have been taken out, you might not be left with much.

Here’s what a guy with experience of tuna fishing industry said to me:

“I used to be in the tuna fishing business and would pay 20% of the earnings to a single deckhand. If I had two deckhands on board, then the percentage would drop down to 15% each and then I would take the rest to pay for the trip, taking what profit was left over.”

I used an example at the top of this page where a tuna boat could catch $2,000 worth of fish. As a deckhand, that leaves you with $300 in earnings.

That might sound great, but the reality is you’re going to be out at sea for 3 to 4 days and you might have to stay awake for 20 hours straight.

And then there’s the hard work involved such as prepping the tuna boat, cleaning, cutting up bait, rigging the gear, fighting with the tuna and getting them landed… it’s an intense job as you will have seen if you’ve watched Wicked Tuna.

tuna boat deckhand salary

The salary of a tuna boat deckhand will depend on various factors, including how much fish is caught on each trip.

And all that effort and time spent could land you just a couple of hundred dollars depending on how successful the tuna fishing trip was.

But here’s the thing; it’s down to how much fish gets caught, so don’t let me put you off with that low estimation on how much a deckhand could make on a tuna boat.

For example, 15% of earnings on one boat could be much more valuable than 30% on a boat which hardly catches a bite.

There are just so many variables at play, which is why it’s so hard to give an accurate estimate on what a tuna boat deckhand can earn.

Here’s what a tuna boat captain said on a popular fishing forum when asked the same question:

“This isn’t an easy question to answer, because it just depends. It can depend on where you fish along the coast, how big the tuna boat is, whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore, what time of year it is and how good the captain is. You could quite possibly earn anything between $10,000 and $100,000 dollar a year depending on the different factors.” 

What about the guys on Wicked Tuna?

You’ve probably asked how much a deckhand on a tuna boat can make due to seeing the Wicked Tuna TV show. Let me tell you one thing; it’s not an accurate representation of real life in a lot of parts.

Plus, the guys and cast on Wicked Tuna, will earn way more money than the examples I’ve put together in this article due to sponsorships, endorsement, TV appearances, charter fees and more.

You can read how much the cast on Wicked Tuna can earn in this blog post.

How to become a deckhand on a tuna boat?

If I’ve not put you off, and I am honestly not trying to, here’s a short guide to how you can become a deckhand on a tuna boat.

Firstly, here’s the most basic advice I was given from a real-life tuna fisherman:

“I would suggest that all you do is go down to the local commercial docks to you and try to talk with some of the captains you find down there. But make sure you prepare before you go and know who it is you will be talking to. The easiest way to build a relationship is to have some knowledge of the captain you want to impress. Don’t be shy but know when to just listen to what they are telling you.”

Working in the tuna fishing industry is one of the hardest jobs there is, with long hours, uncertainty of work due to the seasonality, and a very dangerous working environment.

As a deckhand, you won’t be responsible for making any decisions, but it can be a great way to start before working your way up in the industry.

Whilst you could put a resume together, listing any experience you have any why you want to become a deckhand, I don’t believe it’s going to be the most successful route into employment.

Earlier, I referenced that quote from a guy who recommends seeking out the boat captains and building a relationship with them.

This is without doubt the easiest way to get into tuna fishing.

56% of tuna boats are owned privately, so if you can find a captain, chances are he will be running a smaller operation with a space for a deckhand.

However, there are some internet sites where deckhand jobs are advertised. The best place to look first is the American Tuna Boat association website, as deckhand positions are sometimes listed on there – go take a look.

The last word…

I hope this has helped you in some way; whether in looking to become a deckhand, or finding out how much money a tuna boat deckhand could earn.

If you like the Wicked Tuna TV show, you might also be interested in these two research articles I put together recently: