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Superyacht Crew Salary Guide – 2023

  • Superyacht Crew Salary Guide – 202...

Working as a crew member on a Superyacht has some incredible perks…

… from being on the ocean and seeing new countries to brushing shoulders with the rich and famous and, of course, earning an amazing salary.

As we begin 2024, we thought it a good opportunity to look back at 2023 to see how the industry faired and whether there have been any changes to salary, tips, and working conditions.

The good news is that things have got better! Since the pandemic, the Superyacht industry has seen significant growth the industry has grown significantly over the last couple of years .

As the number of Superyachts being built increases, so does the demand for crew; there has never been a better time to enter the industry.

Typically, the entry-level salary for a Deckhand and Steward/ess ranges between €2,000 and €3,500, rising to €4,000+ for more senior roles. A Captain can make €10,000+ per month, depending on the size of the Superyacht!

Moreover, as you’ll be living onboard the yacht, there are no living expenses to worry about. Your meals are prepared by the Chef onboard, too, and you rarely need to buy groceries or toiletries.

We can’t talk about Superyacht Salary without mentioning tips. The majority of Superyacht owners charter their yachts as the ultimate holiday experience! A Superyacht does not come cheap, with some chartering for One Million per week! Guests normally leave a tip and around 10% of the charter fee, which is shared equally among the crew. It is not unheard of for a Deckhand or Steward/ess to receive a €5,000 tip after a week’s trip!

Another huge benefit contributing to the amazing Superyacht salary is the potential for tax-free earnings (typically paid in Euros)!

Read on for our complete guide to the Superyacht crew salary for 2023…

How much do you make working on a Superyacht?

In short, your salary will depend on the role you work in on the Superyacht, in conjunction with its size; however, the average salary is €2,500 per month (most boats pay in Euros rather than pounds).

Several other factors will determine Superyacht crew salary, too, including previous experience, qualifications, and extra skills (such as Dinghy Instructor, Carpenter, and Divemaster, to name a few).

Whether the yacht is chartered or privately owned will all contribute to your monthly pay packet; your basic salary will be the same whether you work on a charter yacht or a private boat, though on a charter, you will generally receive tips; this usually around 10% of your monthly salary, or it can range between €1,500 to €5,000+ .

We’ve shared current Superyacht salary approximations for 2023 in the table below:

How much do you make working on a yacht?

Here’s a breakdown of superyacht crew salaries in more detail by role:, superyacht captain salary – €4,000 to €16,000+.

A Superyacht Captain is responsible for all activity onboard, crew safety and well-being, and the experience offered to guests.

The Captain is the owner’s main point of contact on the yachts; whether things are going right or wrong, it can be a highly pressured and stressful job.

The salary reflects the responsibility in this high-pressure environment, and the range in salary normally depends on experience and the boat’s length.

Generally, larger boats will carry more guests and staff; therefore, the Captain will have higher responsibilities, a bigger budget, and more challenges to cope with.

First Officer salary – €3,200 to €8,000+

The First Officer, also known as Chief Officer or Chief Mate, is always second in command to the Captain.

They will assist the Captain in a wide range of duties and tends to be responsible for the safety of the Superyacht and everyone on board. Furthermore, the role of the First Officer also includes bridge watches and navigation.

Due to needing a firm understanding of working on deck, the First Officer normally starts their career as a Deckhand and progresses from there.

If you are an experienced First Officer and have moved onto larger yachts, then your next step will be to become a Captain.

Superyacht Bosun salary – €3,200 to €5,000+

Otherwise known as the Senior Deckhand, the Bosun is the ‘line manager’ of all Deckhands on the boat. The responsibilities of the Bosun are to manage and maintain the exterior of the yacht to the highest order.

This role also includes spending time with the guests, making sure they are having fun and are safe on all the toys the Superyacht has, such as jet skis and dinghy sailing boats.

Chief Stewardess salary – €2,800 to €7,000+

The Chief Stewardess is responsible for the interior of the Superyacht. Attention to detail, elegance,

and cleanliness is paramount for this role.

Moreover, you will be required to perform duties discreetly and anticipate the requests and demands of guests, as well as manage your team of Stewardesses. A managerial background in hospitality will therefore help for this role.

Generally, the Chief Stewardess will have gained previous experience in an entry-level Stewardess role and fully understands the functions of a working Superyacht.

Superyacht Stewardess salary – €2,000 to €3,500+

This is an entry-level position working on board a Superyacht.

Open to Male and Female

Being a Superyacht Stewardess is a wide-reaching role covering three main areas: Service, Housekeeping, and laundry. Your actual day-to-day activities can vary depending on the type of yacht (private or charter), owner, and Itinerary. You will be the host, cleaner, florist, and housekeeper, and collectively responsible for looking after the guests 24/7.

If you are looking at not going to uni , and want a career with real progression and a very good salary, becoming a Superyacht Stewardess could be for you! If you would like to start a career as a Stewardess, then consider joining our Superyacht Steward/ess course.

Superyacht Deckhand salary – €2,000 to €3,500+

This is another entry-level role to work on a Superyacht.

Open to male and female

A very hands-on role, the Deckhand is responsible for the exterior of the yacht, and tasks will typically involve cleaning, painting, sanding, varnishing, and all general maintenance of the boat.

As with all Superyacht roles, working as a Deckhand requires some skills and qualifications before you start looking for work. The good news is that you don’t have to go to Uni to get whats required. You will be able to get qualified in a few weeks.

How to become a Superyacht Steward/ess or Deckhand.

If you want a career in the Superyacht Industry, we are here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat. Alternatively, book a meeting with one of our career advisors.

Looking for more information on working in the Superyacht industry?

Download our free guide and learn all there is to know about working on a superyacht as a deckhand or steward/ess., related articles.

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  • Apr 13, 2023

YPI CREW, a leading yacht crew recruitment company, has released its 2023 Yacht Crew Salaries Report following a positive and fast-paced year in yacht crew placement. The report outlines trends in the industry and emphasizes the importance of flexibility in attracting top talent.

2022 marked a significant shift in the yachting industry, as the effects of Covid-19 began to wane. One key trend that emerged was the extension of scheduled or rotational leave to positions outside of the engine room and the bridge. Crew members are increasingly focused on achieving a harmonious work-life balance, leading yachts to adapt their leave packages to remain competitive. Flexibility with regards to leave has become a key factor for all departments and allows for a larger pool of candidates who are fully committed to the yacht, its programme and owner.

Read the full Yacht Crew Salary Report HERE .

Yacht Captain Salaries

Both the Deck/Bosun's and the Interior/Galley Departments have witnessed a steady trend towards increased leave packages. Senior Stews, for example, now seek a minimum of 90 days leave, and 95% of Chief Stews look for full rotation. Stew Head of Departments have come to realize the benefits of scheduled or rotational leave, a perk that was once reserved for Engineers or Officer/Captains Departments. Additionally, and in order to compete with the larger yachts, an important number of yachts under 70metres are now also considering increased leave packages to secure top crew. It's important to note that the salaries listed in the report are median range salaries and can vary based on factors such as job-specific skills, professional qualifications, and experience.

YPI CREW now offers a bespoke service for our yacht clients to assist with salary reviews and comparative analysis. Contact Chloe Collet at [email protected] for any further information.

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Quay Crew publishes crew salary report

Rotation is on the rise, what impact could this have on an already candidate short crewing landscape.

Image for article Quay Crew publishes crew salary report

The goal of attaining a rotational position is a driving force for many ambitious yacht crew. Rotation can be held up as the ideal endpoint for crew on their career pathway through yachting, with many captains working towards it for their entire careers. It’s seen as the moment when the hard work pays off and the elusive work-life balance is achieved. However, the complexities and costs associated with it are often a sticking point for yacht managers and owners.

Rotational structures range from five months on, one month off (5:1) up to the idealised time for time spilt, most commonly two months on, two months off (2:2). When a rotation is implemented effectively, it can give a level of balance and structure to the vessel’s operational profile, the guest experience and the life of the crew on board and ashore. It also elicits a strong reaction. As a friend once put it to me, "in the industry, rotation is an emotive word." 

As the comprehensive report from Quay Crew highlights, rotation is on the rise. As crew expectations for it evolve from privilege to what they feel they are entitled to, the need for quality crew may exceed the capacity of an already strained market.

superyacht crew salary

One of the key findings of the report is that junior roles offering rotation are increasing. One in three deckhands and stews surveyed are now getting some form of rotation onboard 70m+ yachts. This, as termed in the report summary, comes as the industry scrambles to appeal to more crew in a competitive and candidate-short market.

The survey was from 170 captains, who provided a full breakdown of the salary, leave and benefits packages for over 1,500 crew across all onboard departments. For 11 of the 18 roles featured in the survey, time for time rotation was the most common form of leave, including all HOD’s with the exception of chief stews and bosuns. 

In a surprising finding, across all yacht sizes, 15 per cent of deckhands and 23 per cent of stews have some form of rotation. The former largely get 46-60 days leave while 28 per cent of chief stews get less than 45 days leave and the same amount get time for time rotation. 

superyacht crew salary

As could be expected,  there is a mostly linear increase in salaries for the senior roles with the most training expectations, such as the chief officers on 100m+ yachts. The above graphic showing the best monthly salaries proves that bigger is not necessarily better for all roles, highlighting a few sweet spots for certain roles, such as 2nd engineers on 70-79m yachts. 

Although not published yet, Quay Crew will be releasing a separate report featuring the captain's salaries later in 2022.  Of note, according to Quay Crew, 58 per cent of captains surveyed said their yacht reviewed pay annually as standard, but two-fifths are still taking a sporadic or informal approach. 

Tim Clarke, one of the founding Directors of Quay Crew, comments: “We’ve seen many of our own clients improve salary and leave packages for some time now, particularly for junior crew, but wanted to get a more accurate picture of the whole market. What this survey tells us is that there is definitely an upwards trend in pay as well as leave, but personally, I think it’s disappointing to see how many yachts continue to only give 60 days or less leave.”

“Having said that, I believe 3:1 will increasingly be seen as the norm for junior roles onboard 50m+ yachts and those who do not review their leave packages will become far less appealing employers for the most talented crew.” Says Clarke.

superyacht crew salary

Just under half of 90-99m yachts have some kind of mental health support, followed by 80-89m (40 per cent), but only 9 per cent of 100m+ yachts offer this and none of the 40-49m yachts surveyed provide it.  No 100m+ who responded to the survey allowed the use of yacht toys and only one-fifth give a 13-month bonus and/or life insurance.

“With the superyacht sector experiencing an extreme candidate shortage and increased competition to secure the best crew in the fastest possible timeframe, yachts need to evolve their offering," Clarke continues.  "COVID, especially, has made everyone reassess their career goals and work-life balance, seeking out more leave over higher salaries and some yachts are starting to take notice."

“However, even though anecdotal evidence from our own clients suggests packages are improving, the survey reveals that industry-wide, the uptake is still slow." Concludes Clarke "The fact remains - if yachts don't review the compensation for crew, they will have to be more flexible on candidate requirements and potentially look to recruit talent from other sectors.”

To request access to the full report, please contact  Quay Crew.

Image credit: Quay Crew 

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How Much Do Superyacht Crew Earn? (An In-Depth Look)

superyacht crew salary

The life of a superyacht crew member is one of luxury and adventure, but how much do they actually make? If you’ve ever considered joining a superyacht, you have probably wondered about salaries, tips, and other factors that affect pay.

In this in-depth look, we’ll explore the different factors that impact superyacht crew salaries, the typical salaries for superyacht captains and other crew members, bonuses, tips, and more.

Plus, we’ll look at the factors that affect tips, how to maximize your earning potential, and how to research salaries before joining a superyacht.

So, get ready to learn all about superyacht crew salaries and how to make the most of your paycheck.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The salary for superyacht crew can vary greatly depending on experience, position, and the size of the vessel.

Entry-level crew can expect to make anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 a month, while more experienced crew members can make up to $10,000 or more per month.

Additionally, crew members can receive tips from passengers, which can add to their overall salary.

Factors that Impact Crew Salaries

Salaries for superyacht crew members can vary significantly, depending on a range of different factors.

The size of the yacht, the duties required, and the experience level of the crew can all have a major impact on how much crew members earn.

The size of the yacht is a major factor in determining the salaries of crew members.

Larger yachts require more crew members, so salaries tend to be higher as there is more work to be done.

In addition, larger yachts tend to pay more for experienced crew members, as they have more complex systems to manage.

The duties required of the crew are also important when considering salaries.

Different positions on a yacht require different levels of experience and expertise, and this impacts the salary.

For instance, the captain of a superyacht can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members may earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually.

Finally, the experience level of the crew also plays an important role in determining salaries.

More experienced crew members are generally able to command higher salaries than those with less experience.

This is particularly true for positions such as the captain, who must have a high level of knowledge and skill in order to safely and successfully manage the yacht.

In addition to their salaries, superyacht crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

These additional benefits can help to increase the total compensation for crew members, making it more attractive for experienced professionals to take on a job on a superyacht.

Typical Salaries for Superyacht Captains

superyacht crew salary

When it comes to salaries for superyacht crew members, the captain is typically the highest paid position.

On average, captains of superyachts can expect to earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, depending on the size of the vessel, the duties required, and their experience level.

The pay rate for a captain will also vary based on the region where the yacht is located, as well as the specific job requirements.

The most experienced captains may even be able to command salaries above the average range.

For example, captains who have been in the industry for many years and have a proven track record of success may be able to secure higher pay.

In addition, captains who are highly experienced in a certain type of vessel, such as a luxury sailing yacht, may be able to earn more than their counterparts.

In addition to their salaries, superyacht captains may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Many captains may also be able to negotiate a contract that includes additional perks, such as stock options, a car, and other incentives.

These additional benefits can make the job of a superyacht captain even more attractive and rewarding.

Typical Salaries for Other Superyacht Crew Members

When it comes to salaries for other superyacht crew members, there is a wide range of pay depending on the individual’s experience and job duties.

For example, deckhands and stewards typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 per year.

However, more experienced and knowledgeable crew members, such as engineers, chief stewards, and bosuns, can earn up to $150,000 annually.

In addition to these salaries, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Tips can often be a significant source of additional income for crew members, as they are often allowed to keep any gratuities they receive from guests.

Furthermore, some yachts may provide their crew with free room and board, allowing them to save money on housing costs.

Overall, the salaries for superyacht crew members can vary greatly, depending on the size of the vessel, the duties required, and the experience level of the crew.

It is important for potential crew members to research the salaries and benefits of different positions before applying, in order to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.

Bonuses, Tips, and Other Benefits

superyacht crew salary

When it comes to superyachts, crew members can earn more than just their base salary.

In addition to their wages, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Bonuses can be based on the number of years of service, the size of the superyacht, the reputation of the captain, and the performance of the crew.

Tips can be given to crew members from guests, and they can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

In addition to bonuses and tips, crew members may also receive other benefits such as free room and board.

Most superyachts provide crew members with their own private cabins and meals.

This can save crew members a significant amount of money as they dont have to pay for food or accommodation while working.

Other benefits that superyacht crew members may receive include access to luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, spa, and entertainment facilities.

These amenities can be a great way for crew members to relax and unwind after a long day at sea.

Crew members may also receive discounts on luxury items such as jewelry, clothing, and electronics.

Overall, the salaries and benefits for superyacht crew members can be quite generous.

While base salaries may be lower than other high-paying jobs, the bonuses, tips, and other benefits can add up to a significant sum over time.

Superyacht crew members also get to experience a unique lifestyle that few other professions can offer.

Factors That Affect Tips

When it comes to superyacht crew salary, tips are often an important source of income.

Factors that affect the amount of tips a crewmember can earn include the size of the vessel, the type of services they provide, the level of service they provide, and the amount of time they have been with the yacht.

The size of the vessel can be an important factor in how much a crewmember can make in tips.

The larger the yacht, the more passengers and guests it will typically accommodate, giving the crew more opportunities to provide services.

Additionally, the more luxurious the yacht, the more expensive the services, which could also lead to higher tips for the crew.

The type of services provided also plays an important role in the amount of tips received.

For instance, those working in the galley may receive more tips from guests who are particularly pleased with their meals than those who are simply cleaning the deck.

Similarly, the level of service provided can also have a significant effect on the amount of tips received.

For instance, crew members who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the best possible experience for guests may be rewarded with larger tips.

Finally, the amount of time a crewmember has been with the yacht can also affect the amount of tips they receive.

For instance, those who have been with the yacht for a longer period of time may have more familiarity with the guests and their preferences, leading to better service and thus higher tips.

Additionally, crew members who have been with the yacht for longer may also have established relationships with the guests, which could lead to larger tips.

How to Maximize Your Earning Potential

superyacht crew salary

For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, there are a few steps you can take to increase your salary and job prospects.

Firstly, make sure you are properly trained and certified for the job you are applying for.

The more certifications you have, the higher your salary may be.

You should also become familiar with the yacht you are applying for, as this will give you an edge over other applicants.

Additionally, having a good work ethic and a positive attitude can go a long way in helping you stand out from the competition.

Finally, having a good network of contacts in the industry can be beneficial, as they may be able to recommend you for jobs or help you secure a higher salary.

How to Research Salaries Before Joining a Superyacht

If youre considering joining a superyacht crew, then researching salaries is an important part of the process.

Its important to have an understanding of how much you could potentially earn in this career before you commit to taking a job.

There are a few different ways to research salaries for superyacht crew members.

First, you can ask around in your network.

Chances are, there are people in your circle who are already working in the industry, or who have worked in the industry in the past.

They can give you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to salaries.

Second, you can look for job postings and salary listings online.

Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and other job boards are a great way to research what salaries you can expect in the superyacht industry.

Many job postings will include salary details, so you can get an idea of what a potential employer is offering.

Third, you can talk to a recruitment agency.

Many recruitment agencies specialize in the superyacht industry, and they can give you an accurate idea of what salaries you can expect.

They can also give you valuable advice on how to negotiate for the best salary possible.

Finally, you can reach out to the yacht management companies directly.

Many yacht management companies are happy to discuss salary ranges with potential crew members, so its worth reaching out to them to get an idea of what you can expect.

By researching salaries before joining a superyacht crew, you can make sure that youre making a well-informed decision about your career.

Final Thoughts

Salaries for superyacht crew members can vary greatly depending on the experience level, duties required, and size of the vessel.

Generally, captains can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually.

In addition to their salaries, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

If you’re interested in joining a superyacht, it’s important to research salaries and understand the factors that impact them.

With the right knowledge and understanding, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your earning potential and enjoying a rewarding career in the superyacht industry.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Written by Maria Korotaeva

Many life-long careers in the yachting industry have begun as a seasonal job or gap year with a desire to visit exotic destinations. The continual change and challenges that come with each new charter group make the positive feedback even more satisfying and those with lifelong wanderlust have a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most incredible cities and scenery .  

superyacht crew salary

Seahwak’s Crew

Working on a luxury yacht isn’t without its drawbacks, however: Weeks at a time spent away from home, long working hours in the peak seasons and ensuring that everything runs smoothly when you’re far from the port can all take their toll. When performing tasks that can be as equally trying as they are rewarding, crew members want to assure that their pay reflects the professionalism and high degree of detail that they put into each day.  

Following the launch of free salary-sharing platform www.yachtingsalaries.com in March 2016, YPI CREW has revealed its first report into the salaries paid to the crew on luxury yachts of various sizes.  

Covering the period between 2016/2017, the results not only provide transparency to crew members but help employers to attract and retain individuals with exceptional skills. The occupations covered range from captains to deckhands and compare pay for permanent, private, rotation and charter crew: Find out how the charter industry measures up to the other sectors.  

446 captains submitted information to www.yachtingsalaries.com, and the data revealed that 13% worked on sailing yachts and the other 83% on motor yachts. Captains on larger yachts earned more per month than captains of smaller vessels to create an upward trend, although M/Y captains of 35m-51m superyachts fared particularly well, with a jump in salary from €9,000 per month for 41m-50m yachts up to €13,000 p/m for larger luxury yachts. Private and permanent captains tended to earn the most for their size category, with permanent captains coming out slightly ahead.  

Sailing yacht captains tended to earn the same as on motor yachts for the 0-35m and 35-40m vessels, earned more than motor yacht captains in the 41-50m category by €2,000 per month, and earned less than motor yacht captains by €2,000 in the 51-65m category.  

superyacht crew salary

Crew aboard Crose Del Sud

Technical Crew  

239 of the 434 technical crew surveyed were chief engineers, and on charter yachts, they earned an excellent salary compared to private, permanent and rotational counterparts on the same-sized yacht: In the 0-35m size category, they earned €6,000 per month compared to €5,500. Salary levelled off in the 80-100m category, with chief engineers on charters earning slightly less than others with a salary of €9,500.  

Second engineers were the most stable across the sectors and received a steady pay of between €48,000, rising to €70,000 on the largest yachts. Second engineers on charter yachts were paid considerably more per month than permanent and private second engineers within the 51-65m and 66-80m categories, earning between €5,000-€10,000 more in the former category and €2,000-€5,000 per month more in the latter.  

Third engineers earned between €2,500 and €5,000 per month, with the pay scale raising incrementally based on yacht size.  

superyacht crew salary

Luxury superyacht crew

Deck officers

69% of the 224 deck officers who took part in the survey were permanent and 31% rotational. Second and third officers had a greater chance of occupying a rotational position (50% and 70%), making deck officers the most likely crew members to have rotational work. Deck officers on charter yachts tended to earn less than counterparts on similarly-sized vessels, and private and permanent positions provide the most stable throughout.   

Salaries for chief officers on charter yachts ranged from under €4,000 per month on 0-35m vessels to over €8,000 on 81-100m vessels and dropping slightly in the category of 101+m  

Data for 2nd and 3rd officers was more sporadic, and charter position salaries ranged from €3,800 for both positions on yachts 51-65m and upwards.  

Although 127 chefs participated in the survey, results were varied both for yacht sizes and sectors, producing the unusual graph where the head chefs on a 0-35m and 66-80m yacht were earning approximately the same (€4,000 per month) while on other sized charter yachts the head chefs were earning between €5,000 and €8,000. Of the head chefs who submitted data. 85% were permanent and 15% on rotation.  

superyacht crew salary

Dining aboard superyacht SuRi

Vessel size seemed to play a part in the salary of sous chefs, with each type of employees earning more on larger yachts. 71% were permanent, and 29% were temporary.  

Pursers, Stewards and Stewardesses  

For the 2016/2017 report, only 27 pursers, 68 chief stewards/stewardesses and 27-second stewards/stewardesses provided information, and there are therefore too few results to make solid conclusions about industry salaries in this area. Of the pursers, salary varies from €5,000 per month to €7,000 and remuneration did not have any correlation with the size of the yacht and salary was stable regardless of the type of employment, although results were the most unstable in the 66-80m category.  

superyacht crew salary

Excellent service onboard

Chief stewards and stewardesses received greater salaries for working on larger yachts, with rotation, permanent and private employment having the most stable salaries and charter crew the most variable: salary on a 51-65m superyacht was €6,500 per month, whereas under €6,000 was paid to stewards and stewardesses aboard 66-80m vessels and smaller yachts.  

The results of the second stewards and stewardesses had the most variability, with charter and rotation crew earning under €3,000 for 66-80m vessels while private and permanent crew earned €5,000.  

Deckhands  

Deckhand salaries tended not to vary depending on the size of the vessel, and 93% were permanent and 7% on rotation aboard motor yachts, while sailing yachts had 100%, permanent crew. From the 87 deckhands that contributed to the study, data revealed that salaries tended to range between €2,100 – €3,000 per month, regardless of whether the yacht was a charter, private or permanent. Deckhands on rotation earned €3,000-€9,000 less depending on the size of the yacht.  

The website  www.yachtingsalaries.com currently has 2,857 searchable salaries and includes other professions such as bosun and helicopter pilot, as well as the full comprehensive report. Results are searchable at any time, and the next report is due in November 2018.    

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Superyacht Crew Salaries: First Report Released ".

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YPI Crew’s 2022 Salary Report Revealed

superyacht crew salary

YPI CREW, the leading authority in yacht crew recruitment, has released its 2022 Yacht Crew Salary Report, providing in-depth and up-to-date salary analysis.

The report utilises 2021 data from YPI CREW’s various crew departments, spanning engineers, yacht deck crew, yacht chefs, and yacht interior crew. It offers a handy and comprehensive reference point for both yacht crew and employers

Overall, YPI CREW witnessed a significant increase in the number of job orders across all departments in 2021, with more crew connected with their dream careers. While the report doesn’t demonstrate any major new trends, it shows a return to stability following two years of Covid 19 disruption and the collapse of the crew recruitment market in April 2020.

“YPI CREW welcomed 2021 as the year of revival, and indeed it was,” said Laurence Lewis, YPI CREW’s president. “This was following the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on the yachting industry where 2020 was considered the year of survival for yacht crew placement.”

She added: “It should be noted that due to a smaller number of junior-level hospitality, service and galley staff entering the market due to Covid 19 travel restrictions, essentially from the Southern Hemisphere, there has been tension on salaries in these departments throughout 2021.

“For example, in the chef’s department, in order to secure and especially retain qualified and experienced crew, salaries and scheduled leave have become an important part of the negotiation process with increased competition for the best all-round package.”

Crew salaries in the report depend on qualifications, a crew member's years of experience and, in some instances, whether a vessel is a private yacht or a charter yacht. Interestingly, the size of a yacht only impacts the earnings of select roles.

Yacht deck crew salaries

The highest-paid deck crew salaries were for captains, reflecting their pivotal role and the large amount of responsibility that they assume. In 2021, captains on a 100-metre plus yacht were paid an average salary of around 18,000 Euros per month, plus a discretionary bonus. At the other end of the spectrum, captain salaries on a yacht below 30-metre were significantly less at around 3,500 to 6,000 Euros per month.

It’s important to mention that the salaries across the deck department will vary depending on experience and qualifications. For example, entry-level junior deckhands have an expected monthly salary of between 2,700 to 2,800 Euros per month. However, the salaries grow up to 4,000 Euros for specialised and experienced deckhands.

Yacht engineer salaries

When talking about engineering salaries, the ranges very much depend on the certification that the candidate will hold.

Chief engineers on a 100-metre plus yacht typically earnt around 12,000 to 15,000 Euros per month in 2021. Comparatively, a chief engineer on a 30 to 40-metre yacht earnt on average between 4,000 to 6,000 Euros per month.

The lowest-paid salaries were for motorman, who typically could expect to earn between 3,200 to 4,000 Euros on larger sized vessels.

Yacht chef salaries

The most experienced yacht chefs working on yachts 100-metres plus earnt a monthly average salary of around 8,000 Euros plus per month in 2021, while a sous chef on the same sized vessel earnt on average 4,000 to 7,000 Euros per month. Third chefs typically earnt around 3,500 Euros per month.

At the other end of the spectrum, on vessels below 30-metres, a head chef earnt between 4,000 to 4,500 Euros. This typically represents a starting salary for chefs without yachting experience, and they would usually run the entire kitchen without any additional support from qualified chefs.

Yacht interior crew salaries

The highest-paid roles were for pursers and chief stews working on superyachts 80-metres plus. Average monthly salaries were from 7,000 to 8,000 Euros per month for these positions. Conversely, a chief stew on a yacht below 30-metres was paid on average 3,500 to 4,000 Euros per month in 2021.

Junior stews saw little change in their monthly income between vessel sizes, typically earning between 2,500 to 3,500 Euros, creeping up to 4,000 Euros on vessels sized 70-metres plus.

Nurses, a role that is ordinarily only found on larger superyachts, were paid on average 3,500 to 4,000 Euros plus per month in 2021. Spa therapists, another crew position typically only found on larger yachts, boasted a monthly salary of around 3,000 to 3,500 plus.

* Please note that the salaries will depend on the usage of the yacht, private or charter, and the level of study or qualification required for the specialist positions, such as spa manager, spa therapist and personal trainer. For example, as a personal trainer, HIIT, cardio, weight training, yoga or Pilates experience may be required or, for a nurse, the salary can be based on previous experience in hospitals and field of expertise.

Explore the full report here .

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Seaworthy Secrets

Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

table showing yacht crew salaries by position and vessel size

Yacht Captain Salary

  • 20m-30m: $4000-$7500
  • 30m-40m: $5500-$9500
  • 40m-50m: $8000-$15000
  • 50m-70m: $13000-$19000
  • 70m+: $16500+

Requirements of a Yacht Captain

  • Years of experience needed: 3-5 years of experience as Chief Officer/Mate and more than 5 years of experience as a Captain for larger yachts
  • Minimum level of Qualification: 200ton licence which allows you to drive vessels below 200tons

The Captain has the highest level of responsibility onboard the yacht and hence they earn the most out of all the yacht crew salaries.

Captains are accountable for the overall safety of the yacht, crew members and guests.

They also handle daily operations of the yacht, guests, and owner liaison. They deal with management companies, port control, budgets, human resources, and many more tasks and logistics that make the job demanding and stressful.

On top of this, Captains are required to hold high levels of certifications depending on the size of the yacht they are driving.

Yacht Captain salaries can sky rocket with higher levels of qualifications.

If you are looking to become a Yacht Captain one day I recommend looking into the courses required so you can get started with licenses and sea time. It takes time to get there, but when you do it will be worth it.

Looking at the helm station on the bridge of the yacht. There is a chart as well as all the monitor screens and through the windows you can see views of a large mountain

Chief Officer Yacht Salary

  • 30m-40m: $4000-$6000
  • 40m-50m: $4500-$7500
  • 50m-70m: $5500-$9000
  • 70m+: $8000+

Requirements of a Chief Officer

  • Years of experience needed: 3-5 Years
  • Minimum level of qualification: Officer of the Watch

The Chief Officer is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for carrying out the Captain’s standing orders.

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer is referred to as the Mate.

The Chief Officer is responsible for carrying out the safety duties onboard and assisting in the bridge with paperwork and navigational planning.

The Chief Officer is also responsible for leading and managing their deck team, ensuring crew are following their duties as well as managing the water sports and guest activities.

The salary of a Chief Officer depends heavily on the license held.

man driving a tender. the chief officer earns a high yacht crew salary

Bosun Yacht Salary

  • Years of experience needed: 2-3 years
  • Minimum level of qualification: Yacht Master Offshore
  • A yacht Bosun salary can vary between $4000 and $6000.

Responsibilities of a Bosun

The Bosun is essentially the Lead Deckhand onboard. A lead deckhand salary on a larger vessel will be similar to that of a bosun salary on a smaller vessel.

This is an opportunity to step up from being a deckhand and gain some experience in a leadership role. This position is in place for larger yachts so that when the Officer is busy with bridge duties, someone is in charge on deck.

a man holding ropes walking outside the yacht

Yacht Deckhand Salary

Years of experience needed: 0

  • Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage
  • Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500.

Responsibilities of a Deckhand

A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

You need to spend a few years (or less) as a Deckhand in order to learn and gain experience so that you can step up in the ranks and obtain your licenses.

This role will be very hands-on in maintaining the exterior of the yacht. Duties will include cleaning, polishing, varnishing, sanding, caulking, and any other maintenance work required.

Chief Steward / Chief Stewardess Salary

  • 30m-40m :$4500-$5500
  • 40m-50m :$5000-$7000
  • 50m-70m- $5500-$8000
  • 70m+: $7500+

Responsibilities of a Chief Stewardess/Steward

  • Years of experience needed: 3-5 years
  • Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety, Silver Service, WSET, or a Purser course

The Chief Stewardess or Steward is responsible for all the interior operations of the yacht .

They are responsible for managing the interior team, and ensuring the interior of the yacht is maintained to the highest standards. Besides cleaning and laundry schedules , this also includes provisioning for crew and guests, budgeting, accounting, and training of junior crew.

superyacht crew salary

Steward or Stewardess Yacht Salary

  • Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety and Silver Service
  • Salaries start at $3000 and go up to $6000

Responsibilities of a Steward or Stewardess

A Stewardess/Steward is an entry-level position working within the interior of the yacht.

There are rankings within the interior (2nd, 3rd, 4th Steward/Stewardesses). As you spend more time in the industry, you will be promoted to higher ranks, and with that will come a better salary and more responsibility.

This role covers a range of tasks, including but not limited to housekeeping, laundry, bartending, table scaping, floral arrangements, serving, and hosting guests.

The engine room inside the yacht showing the main engine

Engineer Yacht Salary

  • 20m-30m: $4000-$5000
  • 30m-40m: $4500-$6500
  • 40m-50m: $6000-$8000
  • 50m-70m: $7500-$11000
  • 70m+: $9000+

Requirements of an Engineer

  • Years of experience needed: 2-4 years in an engineering role onboard as Deck/Engineer or relevant land-based experience
  • Minimum level of qualification: AEC

The Engineer onboard is responsible for all mechanical functioning and maintenance of the vessel. This is a very technical role that can pay well as you gain experience and obtain your licensing.

Yacht Chef Salary

  • 20m-30m: $4000 – $5000
  • 40m-50m: $5500 – $75000
  • 50m-70m: $6500-$9500

Requirements of a Yacht Chef

  • Years of experience needed: 3-5 years depending on previous experience
  • Minimum level of qualification: Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

The Chef is responsible for feeding the crew 2 to 3 healthy and sustainable meals a day. They are of course required to prepare meals for guests when onboard to the highest of standards.

In their day-to-day tasks, they will be responsible for their own provisioning of the galley, maintaining stocks, cleanliness, and hygiene of the galley.

The salary of the Yacht Chef varies depending on qualifications and experience.

a man cooking food with 2 colourful salads and a platter of meat

Yacht Crew Salaries for Private vs Charter Yachts

There are two types of super yachts that require crew: Private and Charter yachts. The salaries for yacht crew differ slightly between the two.

Private Yacht

A private boat is owned by a single person or family who uses the yacht for their own purposes. They don’t charter it out and you can expect to have the same guests onboard for the duration of your contract.

The benefit of these programs is that you get to know your guests well so you may find it easier to manage their wants and needs.

You may also benefit from traveling to off-the-beaten-track locations as I have!

For yacht crew working on these private boats, you will usually not receive charter tips.

Charter Yacht

A charter boat is one that gets chartered out by guests. This operates as a business and also means you will have different guests for every trip. 

If you work on a charter boat you can expect to receive charter tips at the end of each charter. These are usually 10%-20% of the charter fee!

Considering these tips can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week depending on the size of the yacht, charter boats offer great earning potential and can skyrocket your salary as a yachtie.

woman standing on a perfect white sand beach with crystal clear blue water in the Bahamas

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

How to Write the Perfect Yacht CV [With Template]

A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

Yacht Crew Salaries

Average starting salary guidelines.

The crew salaries reflected below have been derived from placement records and job orders for both power and sail, reflected as an average, received by Crewfinders within the past year and may change without notice.

Y

How Much Superyacht Crews Really Get Paid

Sick of the rising cost of living? This could be the answer...

How Much Superyacht Crews Really Get Paid

Image Credit: Superyacht Crew Academy

Madison Jay, a superyacht crew member with 6.5 years at sea, says superyacht crew typically start on a salary of 2,500 euros a month. According to the Superyacht Crew Academy, superyacht crew can earn up to 20,000 euros a month, once they have more experience, and if they score a job on a bigger, top-dollar paying boat.

Madison Jay, a superyacht crew member who has spent 6 and a half years at sea, has taken to TikTok to share how much superyacht crew typically get paid. In a video , she said: “The starting salary for a superyacht crew is 2,500 euro per month and then your leave allowance is anywhere from 38 days to 90 days.”

“All of this obviously increases as you gain more experience and skills over time. The other thing to note is that there are no living expenses with working onboard a boat – you live on board so it’s rent-free, you don’t have any bills.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Superyacht Crew Academy (@superyachtcrewacademy)

On top of all that, Madison said, “Chefs prepare your meals, there are snacks provided, there’s even crew alcohol provided most of the time, and your toiletries are available for free too – so everything you make is yours. If you are sick of the rising cost of living then this might be the perfect solution for you.” In a recent Instagram post, Madison also said: “If you get to earn USD, the current exchange rate is essentially giving you a 12% pay rise.”

WATCH: How Much Superyacht Crew Get Paid

In the comments section, Madison added: “Some boats don’t make tips, others can make up to an additional €40k every summer season.” She also said the cost to prepare to be hired depends on the country (and where you relocate to look for work, and how long it takes you).

Then, when it comes to the initial costs to get the legal requirements to work onboard, she says that is “well and truly covered within your first month onboard.” Other interesting questions she answered included how long you stay on the boat for (“you live on the boat permanently [and] trips can be anywhere from a couple days to months at a time”) and how tax works (“you are responsible to pay tax / declare your wage in your country, each country has different rules for ‘seafarers’… Most people earn tax free income”).

RELATED: Superyacht Captain Shares ‘Unbelievable’ High Sea Stories

She also touched on the differences between working on a charter boat vs. working for a private owner, explaining: “There are lots of things that affect what you are paid on top – rotation, standard leave, busy, quiet, and generally just what the owner wants to pay!”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison | Superyacht Chief Stew (@madisonjay__)

TikTok user superyachtgirl has also talked about how much yachties get paid, explaining in a video that “the size of your salary depends on the size of your yacht and also your position on board” and claiming that “it also varies if you’re on a charter boat or a private boat” because on charter boats you get tips whereas on private boats “you don’t get tips but you do get bonuses and stuff at the end of the year, [and this] varies between each program.” Superyacht Crew Academy , for their part, say crew salaries range from 2,000 euros to 20,000 euros depending on yacht size and experience.

If you’re sick of the rising costs of living, who knows, perhaps working on a superyacht is the change you need in your life in 2023?

As Madison points out, given the pending recession, working on a superyacht is an ever more attractive proposition because while living expenses have gone up in price, salaries have not, meaning “it’s impossible to get ahead & bills/living expenses are chewing up majority of peoples earnings.” Meanwhile, working on a yacht, you are not impacted by the rising costs of living (because everything you consume is free).

Madison also points out that working for the super rich gives you a certain level of job security. On Instagram she wrote: “Yachting seems to be somewhat ‘protected’ by most things that happen around the world” pointing out that “during Covid, yes some people lost jobs but most of us were busier than ever.”

She says this was because “rich people were still rich and they saw a yacht as a ‘covid free’ safe haven when they couldn’t holiday anywhere else.”

“This is also a massive reason as to why there are now 1024 superyachts in build or on order, which is a 24.7% rise on the previous year!! The demand for good crew is only growing.” Madison Jay

Though it’s not all fun in the sun (there are also Atlantic crossings and many days of hard work), the camaraderie can reportedly be amazing, and you get a peek behind the veil at how the other half live. According to superyachtgirl all you need to get started is an ENG1 Medical Certificate, the STCW95 qualification (a 5 day or so course) a food hygiene level 2 qualification and a half-day security duties course.

Then you need to actually get hired. That might be hard, but at least you now know how much you are likely to get paid if and when this happens.

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Captain Luke: Yacht Crew Salaries – What’s Fair In 2023?

superyacht crew salary

This month Captain Luke Hammond discusses a current hot topic within the industry: what’s fair when it comes to yacht crew salaries?…

superyacht crew salary

For me, when I started out in yachting, it wasn’t about the money, it was the possibility of travel and exploration that gained my attention.

Don’t get me wrong – money was important, but not as important as the potential to experience cruising around the world.

When I joined my current program back in 2019, I left my interview without even talking about money – I was just excited at the prospect of a great position. But what does this have to do with yacht crew salaries? Believe it or not… EVERYTHING.

What commonly dictates a salary?

If you looked on Indeed.com it would produce something like this:

“Salaries are impacted by market and demographic factors like the availability of jobs, the number of available candidates for a particular job or the number of employees looking for the same education and skills”

What that means in the yachting world: Popular Job = Static Salary

The yachting industry only continues to grow, due to more yachts being built, a large number of people entering the industry, and the growing number of people with appropriate skills.

What does that mean for crew?

Industry wide, yacht crew salaries stay stagnant because we are seeing a surplus in all aspects.

“So you’re saying the reason it doesn’t change, (even if we have seen the dollar produce a cumulative price increase of 72.89% since 2000) is basically a simplified version of supply and demand?”

So if yacht crew salaries aren’t changing, why should you even consider Yachting as a career? For the same reason that I personally started in the first place – it’s an opportunity very few people in this world ever get to experience.  

Read More: Weekly Yacht Crew Travel News & Updates

Oh and we are also starting to see an uptick in crew salaries.

Yes, I could have led with that sentence, but where would the fun be in that?

That said, another reason to consider the stagnancy in salaries, and another possible reason why things haven’t changed, is due to what I like to call the ‘old guard’. 

Yachting is not your atypical industry. Our business floats on water, our lives are subject to weather and the whim of the next adventure. It is also an industry that takes years to truly understand and appreciate, mostly due to the nuances, but also because it has a tendency to rid itself of those that don’t take it seriously. 

(Seriously)…

It’s with that understanding that those in control have not seen the value in increasing yacht crew salaries (regardless of inflation).  But the real conundrum here is that it takes those same people to advocate for an increase in salaries across the board.  

At some point, reality hit and so did the realisation that it takes well motivated people to keep this industry alive. The industry is slowly understanding that if you do choose this as a career for the long term, financial motivation is a huge factor. Those young dreamers are now starting families of their own, and the salaries of yesteryear no longer carry the same weight as before.

(To give you context, the buying power of $1 in 2000 would now be approximately $1.73. Crazy huh?)

As a new starter, you need to stand out, but know your value

Industry averages are your friend. Do not go below that threshold otherwise you will be contributing to the problem. For those already in the industry, you need to determine what value you bring to the equation. If your value supersedes that of your current position, it might pay to look elsewhere for a new role.

So, whilst I’d love to say yacht crew salaries are going to increase across the board immediately, it’s important to know that this is happening, albeit very slowly.

Remember to be the best version of yourself, no one is going to be a bigger advocate for you than yourself. I also advise you to do your homework.  Understand your value and potential, but be realistic too. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you are going to get it. The world doesn’t work that way.

“Stay positive, go after what you are passionate about, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!”

It’s why we are all here.

Captain Luke Hammond discuss Yacht Crew Salaries

Captain Lord Luke Hammond recently launched Reffr – A new yacht crew recruitment platform. Reffr aims to solve the problem of connecting people with the right jobs, which opens up amazing opportunities for recruiters, captains, and businesses that join the platform.

If you would like to be involved in the prelaunch, head over to  www.Refrr.io  – The solution to yacht recruitment that helps all, and sign up to be one of the founding members.

Avatar photo

Lucy Wright

Related articles, why is it important to have a written tenancy agreement, international women’s day 2024: hearing from the women in the superyacht industry, top yacht jobs available this week, private or charter. which is best for you.

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Yacht Salary Guidelines 2023

Diverse Income Levels Across Yacht Crew Positions

The compensation packages for yacht crew members are indeed quite lucrative. Many yacht crew members attest to the fact that their remuneration is substantial, covering not only their salary but also their living expenses, bills, and housing accommodations. After a few years of service on a yacht, crew members often find themselves with a sufficient nest egg to make a down payment on a house or even venture into entrepreneurship.

Opportunities for Additional Earnings for Yacht Workers

Tips represent a significant financial incentive for the dedicated team on a superyacht. Operating on a charter yacht, in particular, provides crew members with an excellent chance to supplement their income. But just how much can they expect to earn in tips? Well, that varies widely, ranging from 5% to 20% of the charter cost, with around 10% being the common practice, distributed among all crew members.

While living on a private yacht might not offer the same level of tips, it does come with its own set of crew benefits. These include enhanced rest periods, extended vacations, bonuses, and even the possibility of unexpected contributions from the owner, as yacht owners are often known to provide tips.

Yacht Crew Compensation Depends on Position

Undoubtedly, the monthly income for each crew position varies significantly. In general, the higher the position, the higher the salary. Here's an overview of some of the positions you might find on a yacht:

Yacht Salary

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Interested in going to school to become a captain

Interested in going to school as soon as possible for a captain position.

This yachting salary is approximately 10 years out of date! Something needs to change. This includes yachting associations and pages to stop spreading these ridiculous salaries which have not changed in 10 years! Start sticking up for the people that actually need an increase too. Many of us are also paying expensive at home and providing for families. Your salary goes up on shore based jobs, increase of food and bills etc. something needs to start happening for us! Maybe start a tan page for seafarers to get together to fight against salaries never increasing. Also a stew earning the same or just slightly less than a bosun is out outrageous. Bosun puts in thousands of pounds for course etc and a stew gets that just because. Backwards. Not against stews but adjustment in a sense needs to happen. Don’t know how, but it needs to. Eg, yachts must pay for courses then – Industry standard.

Please,feel free to comment below if you need more info

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About the Yacht Positions

The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and experience. Explore professions within each department.

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J4Crew Recruitment Agency

by Bluewater

by Crew Network

by Frey Recruitment

Chief Engineer

South of France

by Marinescence

by 19 London

Start Date: Mid-end April

by TYS Recruitment

Chief Officer

Mediterranean

Housekeeping Stew

by Saltwater

by Quay Crew

Undisclosed

by Wilson Halligan

United States

Based in SOF

by Northrop & Johnson

by Crew and Concierge

April Start

by Bespoke Crew

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Yacht Crew Salaries

In any industry it is always important to know your worth. This is why we created the go-to platform for yacht salaries and conditions.

See median averages for your positions as well as the full range of salaries.

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Captains Careers Superyacht Industry Insights

What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht? 4 May 2021

What should you be paying your Captain?

What salary can I expect as a Captain on a superyacht?

These are questions we often get asked at Quay Crew headquarters.

In this blog, the superyacht Captain salaries are revealed in our exclusive Captain recruitment survey by Quay Crew.

Captain Recruitment Specialist, Tim Clarke , reveals some very interesting findings…

The subject of what a Captain should be paid often comes up in conversation, normally with Captains, but recently I was working with the yacht owner on a large new build project and had to recruit everyone from the Captain down. I was asked “What should I pay my Captain?”. I had to advise on salary levels for the Captain position and this made me realise that there isn’t a lot of accurate information out there in the public domain.

So how much should a Captain on a superyacht get paid?

Recently I did a salary survey of Captains which went into significant detail regarding yacht size, program, leave, pay reviews, bonuses, flights and additional perks. 186 Captains responded so we had an excellent spread of data to work with. The full report is actually 41 pages long so this is just a brief summary of the most pertinent information.

Have a Captain recruitment requirement coming up or just want to see all the additional info? To receive a copy in your inbox, email  [email protected]

The breakdown of qualifications across the 186 respondents was as follows:

26% Master Unlimited

68% Master 3000gt

6% Master 500gt

Private or Charter?

58% of Captains surveyed said they work on a purely private yacht. 34% on yachts which are a mix of owner use and charter so run commercially. Only 8% work on yachts which are purely commercial / charter programs.

Monthly salary averages for Captains on a superyacht

Average monthly salary for Captains with full rotation:

Under 39m n/a

40m to 49m €12.4k approx.

50m to 59m €11.4k approx.

60m to 69m €13.3k approx.

70m to 79m €14.5k approx.

80m to 89m €16.2k approx.

90m to 99m €18.4k approx.

Over 100m €19.3k approx.

Average monthly salary for Captains who are full time:

Under 39m €10.2k Euros approx.

40m to 49m €11.9k Euros approx.

50m to 59m €15.3k Euros approx.

60m to 69m €16k Euros approx.

70m to 79m €19.2k Euros approx.

80m to 89m €22k Euros approx.

90m to 99m €25k euros approx.

Over 100m €14.5k Euros approx.

Additional Captain salary facts…

When you compare rotational and full time salaries on yachts over 60m, the full time positions average over 2k a month more. Some yachts’ Captain packages are hugely removed from the norm. For example, one 60m to 69m is found to be paying over 25k to a full rotation Captain. No yacht that responded under 39m offers rotation. 36 Captains are earning over 20k a month, the vast majority of which are on purely private yachts.

Captain Rotation

23% of Captains on yachts 40m-49m have a full rotation. This takes a big jump to 53% of yachts 50m -59m. Full rotation peaks at 83% on yachts over 100m.

The average is 63% of Captains on yachts above 50m have full rotation so 92 out of the 147 who worked on yachts from 50m to 100m up.

Captain Recruitment for Superyachts

If you are looking to recruit a Captain for your yacht and want to make sure you are accessing the best talent in the market, then give me a call on +44 7760 202610. Recently I have recruited a variety of Captains for various yachts including a 100m plus new build, a very prestigious 90m, a 60m plus new build just launched and lots more between 50m and 70m. Alternatively if you just want a chat about the Captain market and your current Captain’s compensation package, then just get in touch via phone or via my direct email .

If you are a Captain reading this then here are a couple of links to other blogs I have written which may interest you.

How to secure your dream Captain job on a superyacht

How many Captains are there?

What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht?

About the author

How much does length of service matter in Superyacht Recruitment?

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COMMENTS

  1. 2022 Superyacht Crew Salary Survey

    The Results of the 2022 Salary Survey. Our annual salary survey provided some unprecedented insights to what captains and crew earned in 2022. As restrictions eased and the world opened up more, owners and guests have wanted to spend more time on board, and boats are, once again, willing to fly crew in. With some crew swallowing the anchor and ...

  2. The Superyacht Crew Salary Guide 2022

    Superyacht Captain salary - €4,000 to €16,000+. A Superyacht Captain is responsible for all activity onboard, crew safety and well-being, and the experience offered to guests. The Captain is the owner's main point of contact on the yachts; whether things are going right or wrong, it can be a highly pressured and stressful job.

  3. Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023

    Tips are another big financial reward for the team of the superyacht to be rewarded. Specially operating on a charter yacht gives crew a great chance to earn extra money, but how much is expected?It is up to it. Common tips vary from 5% to 20% of the charter cost, sharing about 10% and split by all crewmembers.

  4. Yacht Crew Salaries: Are You Paying Appropriately?

    Specifically, the salaries were 7,000 to 8,000 euros ($7,600 to $8,700) vs. 3,500 to 4,000 euros ($3,800 to $4,400). Since on-deck positions range from captains to entry-level deckhands, yacht crew salaries here span a wide range. Notably, captains for 328-foot-plus (100-meter-plus) megayachts can get bonuses on top of an average 18,000 euros ...

  5. YPI CREW Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023

    Yacht Crew Salary Guide After two exceptional years of dealing with Covid 19 and the impact it had on recruiting, the past year was very upbeat and fast-paced for yacht crew placement. The most significant trend was the extension of scheduled or rotational leave to positions outside of the engine room and the bridge.

  6. YPI CREW Releases 2023 Yacht Crew Salaries Report

    YPI CREW, a leading yacht crew recruitment company, has released its 2023 Yacht Crew Salaries Report following a positive and fast-paced year in yacht crew placement. The report outlines trends in the industry and emphasizes the importance of flexibility in attracting top talent. 2022 marked a significant shift in the yachting industry, as the ...

  7. PDF SALARY GUIDELINES

    The salary guidelines published here are based upon 350,000 data points generated over the past 16 years in business as the world's busiest professional crew recruitment agency. We take real data from crew starting and ending salaries to create these guidelines.

  8. Yacht Crew Positions and Salaries

    The Second and Third Engineers report directly to the Chief Engineer. They assist in maintaining all mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht. 2nd Engineer. €3,000 - €10,000. 3rd Engineer. €2,500 - €6,500. Sole Engineer. €3,500 - €12,000. Motorman.

  9. Quay Crew publishes crew salary report

    Although not published yet, Quay Crew will be releasing a separate report featuring the captain's salaries later in 2022. Of note, according to Quay Crew, 58 per cent of captains surveyed said their yacht reviewed pay annually as standard, but two-fifths are still taking a sporadic or informal approach. Tim Clarke, one of the founding Directors ...

  10. How Much Do Superyacht Crew Earn? (An In-Depth Look)

    For instance, the captain of a superyacht can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members may earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually. Finally, the experience level of the crew also plays an important role in determining salaries.

  11. Superyacht Crew Salaries: First Report Released

    Chief stewards and stewardesses received greater salaries for working on larger yachts, with rotation, permanent and private employment having the most stable salaries and charter crew the most variable: salary on a 51-65m superyacht was €6,500 per month, whereas under €6,000 was paid to stewards and stewardesses aboard 66-80m vessels and ...

  12. YPI Crew's 2022 Salary Report Revealed

    Yacht deck crew salaries. The highest-paid deck crew salaries were for captains, reflecting their pivotal role and the large amount of responsibility that they assume. In 2021, captains on a 100-metre plus yacht were paid an average salary of around 18,000 Euros per month, plus a discretionary bonus.

  13. Yachting Crew Salary Guidelines and Position Descriptions

    The salary guidelines are utilized by an array of industry professionals worldwide as a reliable benchmark for yacht crew salaries. This active data is taken from the thousands of live crew profiles who are placed on yachts by Luxury Yacht Group every year. New members joining the industry turn to the websites 'Department Descriptions' to learn the essentials before taking the plunge.

  14. Last Chance

    The Dockwalk Salary Survey has been a staple of the magazine since its inception in 1997 and is an important tool for the industry. The anonymous survey helps paint a bigger picture of pay in yachting by using salary feedback directly from captains and crew to provide an in-depth, inside look at superyacht crew compensation.

  15. Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

    Yacht Deckhand Salary. Years of experience needed: 0; Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage; Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500. Responsibilities of a Deckhand. A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

  16. Yacht Crew Starting Salaries

    Yacht Crew Salaries. The crew salaries reflected below have been derived from placement records and job orders for both power and sail, reflected as an average, received by Crewfinders within the past year and may change without notice. Salaries reflect increase with the size of the vessel. Variations occur with the amount of owner/guest use ...

  17. How Much Superyacht Crews Really Get Paid

    Madison Jay, a superyacht crew member with 6.5 years at sea, says superyacht crew typically start on a salary of 2,500 euros a month. According to the Superyacht Crew Academy, superyacht crew can ...

  18. Superyacht Captain salary survey 2023

    Every yacht bracket has seen a salary rise since 2020 and 2022. Full rotation is also increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50m yachts, with an 11% decline overall in Captains with less than 59 days leave.

  19. Captain Luke: Yacht Crew Salaries

    Industry wide, yacht crew salaries stay stagnant because we are seeing a surplus in all aspects. "So you're saying the reason it doesn't change, (even if we have seen the dollar produce a cumulative price increase of 72.89% since 2000) is basically a simplified version of supply and demand?". "Correct!".

  20. Yacht Salary Guidelines 2023

    Yacht Salary Guidelines 2023. by Vanya Chubatarova September 20, 2023. Diverse Income Levels Across Yacht Crew Positions. The compensation packages for yacht crew members are indeed quite lucrative. Many yacht crew members attest to the fact that their remuneration is substantial, covering not only their salary but also their living expenses ...

  21. Crew Positions

    About the Yacht Positions. The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and ...

  22. Home

    Thousands of yacht crew use YachtCareerHub every day. Powering yacht careers around the world, from greenies, to salty sea dogs. 2k+. crew registered. 30+. crew agencies listed. 600+. active jobs. 200+.

  23. What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht?

    58% of Captains surveyed said they work on a purely private yacht. 34% on yachts which are a mix of owner use and charter so run commercially. Only 8% work on yachts which are purely commercial / charter programs. Monthly salary averages for Captains on a superyacht. Average monthly salary for Captains with full rotation: Under 39m n/a