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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.

Yacht Chief Engineer Salary

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superyacht crew salaries 2023

Quay Crew Releases 2023 Captain Salary Report

Quay Crew released their most detailed salary report to date, in which the superyacht recruitment agency surveyed almost 300 superyacht captains to get insight into real-time captains’ compensation. Respondents included captains on board yachts ranging from less than 39 to 100 or more meters, with more than half having been a captain for more than 10 years.

This year’s report found the average monthly pay is now higher across all size brackets, representing a median 6.75% increase. The increase comes after a slight decline in salaries between 2020 and 2022. Captains of yachts over 100 meters are seeing the biggest jump in salary compared to last year, with an average monthly salary of €21,243 in 2023 compared to €18,693 in 2022. Meanwhile, yacht captains of yachts between 60 to 69 meters are seeing the smallest monthly salary jump, from €15,774 in 2022 to €15,969 in 2023.

Simon Ladbrooke, captain consultant for Quay Crew, detailed one interesting and unforeseen detail found from the captains’ responses.  

“We were surprised, however, how many captains there are out there with commercial tickets captaining yachts significantly under 3000gt,” Ladbrooke wrote in the survey.

Quay Crew’s survey found that time-for-time rotation has grown in popularity on all size yachts, apart from those less than 39 meters, which are all full time. The average age that it takes to become a captain has risen, along with the number of years’ experience as chief officer, suggesting a longer transition. Although the transition time has increased, almost 75% of responding captains say it took them less than six months to secure their first captain role. However, onboard promotion could be a large factor to this low number.

Quay Crew’s full survey delves into each size bracket, detailing promotion, longevity, bonuses, and more salary statistics. Accessing the entire survey is free for captains and head of departments after subscribing to Quay Crew’s client portal — at no cost.

  Quay Crew noted that there will always be exceptions and outliers in the various size categories, which can skew the averages. Keep this in mind when comparing your salary packages.

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superyacht crew salaries 2023

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…

superyacht crew salaries 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?

Captain €4,000-€7,000 €7,000-€14,000 €14,000+ €16,000+
First Officer €3,000-€5,000 €4,300-€5,700 €6,000+ €7,000+
Bosun €3,200-€4,500 €4,000 €5,000
Chief Stewardess €3,000-€4,500 €4,000-€6,000 €6,000+ €7,000+
Experienced Stewardess €2,800-€3,000 €2,800-€3,500 €3,500+ €4,500+
Experienced Deckhand €2,800-€3,500 €2,800-€4,000 €3,500+ €4,500+
Junior Stewardess €2,000-€3,000 €2,000-€3,000 €3,000+ €3,000+
Junior Deckhand €2,000-€3,000 €2,000-€3,000 €3,000+ €3,000+
Chef €3,000-€4,500 €4,000-€7,000 €6,000+
€7,500+

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.

Superyacht Captain

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.

superyacht crew salaries 2023

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.

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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 crew salaries 2023

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?

superyacht crew salaries 2023

Download our FREE guide and learn all there is to know about working on a Superyacht as a Deckhand or Steward/ess.

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superyacht crew salaries 2023

Yacht Crew Salaries: The Current State

Posted October 12, 2023 by Ashleigh King

The topic of salaries in the yachting industry has gained attention this year, with a growing sense of awareness and discussion. Louisa had the opportunity to speak with several dedicated crew members who have shared their thoughts and concerns about this matter. With the ever-changing economic landscape, it’s crucial to assess whether salaries for yacht crew have adapted to these shifts in a positive direction.

A comprehensive analysis of Dockwalk’s salary surveys over the past several years reveals a rather consistent pattern spanning a 15-year period. Specifically, when comparing salaries in euros for a 50-meter yacht between 2008 and 2023, certain trends emerge. In the case of Captains, the industry average in 2008 ranged from 7,000 to 10,000 euros per month, while this year, it has extended from 7,000 to 15,000 euros per month. Similarly, Chief Engineers in 2008 were earning an average of 5,000 to 7,000 euros per month, whereas in 2023, their earnings range from 5,000 to 10,000 euros per month. It is noteworthy that while the lower-end salaries have remained relatively consistent, the upper-end figures have witnessed a significant increase, aligning more closely with industry expectations.

While the top-end salaries can be attributed to experience and longevity, it remains pertinent to question why the baseline salaries have remained at their current level. This inquiry may stem from the various factors related to job availability and individual crew preferences. It’s possible that, after a period of uncertainty, many crew members are now placing a higher value on the stability of full-time positions over seeking higher pay.

Engaging with numerous crew members who express diverse expectations and requirements underscores the challenge of establishing industry standards, especially considering the growing prevalence of rotational contracts. A notable example illustrates this complexity: I recently met a Captain who was perplexed by the stark disparity in his salary compared to that of a colleague. However, one crucial aspect he overlooked was that his counterpart had been with the same owner for four additional years, underscoring the significance of longevity in this profession.

Furthermore, entry-level crew members are facing their own set of challenges. Green crew are currently being offered a monthly compensation of 2,000 euros, which is nearly the same from 15 years ago when it ranged from 2,000 to 2,500 euros.

While the average monthly compensation for green crew hasn’t seen substantial growth over the past 15 years, it’s essential to acknowledge the rising costs associated with crew housing, food, and travel. In this light, exploring creative solutions to improve the financial well-being of entry-level crew members is a valuable consideration.

While the topic of salary stagnation in the yachting industry has raised concerns, there is also a silver lining. Salaries for experienced crew members have been on an upward trajectory, and the industry is evolving to accommodate different needs and preferences. By focusing on the positive aspects of these changes, we can look forward to a brighter future for all members of the yacht crew community.

Download our Crew Salary Guideline PDFs in Dollars and Euros for more helpful information.

With our presence established in the key yachting hubs worldwide, we stand ready to address all your crew-related requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated N&J Crew team members today!

superyacht crew salaries 2023

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Yacht Crew Positions and Salaries

The organisational structure onboard a superyacht follows a strong hierarchy based upon a military model. Exact job duties and lines of authority are set and strictly adhered to. This hierarchy is followed on the vast majority of yachts; however, responsibilities of the crew on smaller yachts are often merged.

There are four departments on yachts with clear organisational structure:

  • Deck (including Bridge) – Safety, passage delivery, maintenance of the yacht's exterior, guest outdoor activities
  • Engineering – Safety and smooth operational running of the yacht
  • Interior – Housekeeping, guest wellbeing, activities, accounting
  • Galley – Food preparation, stock control, hygiene, galley maintenance

The top of the hierarchy on each yacht is the Captain , who reports to the yacht owner either directly, or through a representative or a yacht management company.

Salaries vary and depend on the yacht size, use, type and location, as well as the experience and qualification of the crew member. We included typical salaries of crew based on the data available from reputable industry sources, as well as our research of over 60,000 crew registered with us.

Deck Positions

The primary duty of the Captain is the overall safe manning and operation of the yacht. Yacht Captain is responsible for the vessel, yacht crew, owner and guests, including personnel management, shipyard/project management, legal and regulatory compliance, accounting, achieving owners' objectives, and answers to the owner regarding all decisions.

Captain €4,000 - €15,000

First Mate / Chief Officer

The First Mate or Chief Officer is the right hand of the Captain. Takes command of the yacht from Captain when required. Shares Captain's responsibilities as required.

Chief Officer €3,000 - €13,500
2nd Officer €3,000 - €8,000
3rd Officer €2,500 - €6,000
Security Officer €3,000 - €5,000

Bosun / Lead Deckhand

Bosuns are usually experienced Deckhands with additional responsibilities. They are in charge of Deckhands onboard the yacht and often spend a lot of time with guests during outdoor activities. The Bosun is normally the main tender driver.

Mate €2,500 - €6,000
Bosun €2,500 - €5,500
Lead Deckhand €2,500 - €5,000

Responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of the yacht and keeping it in pristine condition at all times. Deckhands also assist in maintaining, cleaning and operating yacht's tenders.

Junior Deckhand €2,000 - €3,000
Carpenter €3,000 - €4,000

Engineering Positions

Chief engineer.

Responsible for the Engineering Department and for all technical aspects of the boat and its equipment. The Chief Engineer's duties include overseeing all mechanical and electrical operations, ensuring all planned maintenance takes place and liaising with subcontractors.

Chief Engineer €5,000 - €15,000

Second / Third Engineer

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 €2,500 - €4,000

ETO / AV/IT Officer

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and AV/IT Officer are in charge of daily maintenance of all electronic, computer, audio/visual and communications equipment and their efficient operation. This includes the radio, radar, telephones, satellite communications, navigation systems, computers, Internet connection, interior equipment (TVs, sound systems), etc.

ETO €4,000 - €8,000
AV/IT Officer €4,000 - €7,000

Electrician

The Electrician is responsible for maintenance of all electrical circuits onboard the vessel, circuit breakers, switches, lighting, batteries, etc.

Electrician €4,000 - €6,500

This is an administrative position on large yachts. The Purser is responsible for all operations in the interior department, including inventory, purchasing, provisioning, accounting, organising guest activities, and assisting the Captain with the yachts paperwork.

Purser €5,000 - €9,000

Chief Steward(ess)

Duties are similar to those of other Steward(ess)es onboard the boat, but on a more senior level, including managing the interior department and training. Small yachts with less crew do not have a Purser. The Chief Steward(ess) is in charge of all the responsibilities normally carried out by the Purser on large yachts.

Chief Steward(ess) €4,500 - €8,500
Interior Manager €4,000 - €8,000
Head of Servicer €4,000 - €7,000
Head Housekeeper €3,000 - €5,500
Spa Manager €3,500 - €5,500

Steward(ess)

Steward's or Stewardess's main responsibility is to maintain the interior of the yacht and provide the highest standard of care to the owner and guests. They serve food and drinks, prepare guest activities, pack and unpack luggage and are on call for anything that the guests want anytime day or night. On some yachts, they help the deck crew moor the yacht.

2nd Steward(ess) €3,000 - €6,500
3rd Steward(ess) €2,500 - €4,000
Spa Steward(ess) €3,000 - €4,000
Service Steward(ess) €2,500 - €5,000
Housekeeping Steward(ess) €2,500 - €4,000
Laundry Steward(ess) €2,500 - €4,000
Sole Steward(ess) €3,000 - €6,000
Junior Steward(ess) €2,000 - €3,500
Butler €3,500 - €6,000
Stew/Deck €2,500 - €4,000

The Head/Executive Chef onboard a luxury superyacht is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the galley department on larger yachts, including guest and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards and financial/budgetary administration.

Head Chef €6,000 - €10,000

Assists the Head Chef in all aspects of galley duties. The Sous Chef may be required to independently provide crew meals or guest meals at the direction of the Head Chef.

Sous Chef €3,500 - €8,000

Crew Chef / Cook

Large yachts employ a separate crew and guest chef. The Crew chef provides meals for the crew.

Crew Chef / Cook €3,000 - €5,000
Sole Chef €3,500 - €9,000
Stew / Cook €2,000 - €4,500

Other Positions

Many yachts, especially the large ones, have several additional positions. These are often combined with primary roles, e.g. Stewardess / Masseuse or Deckhand / Dive Instructor . The most common are:

Beautician €3,000 - €4,000
Hairdresser €3,000 - €4,000
Massage Therapist €2,000 - €4,500
Nurse €3,000 - €4,500
Dive Instructor €3,000 - €6,000

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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.

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

superyacht crew salaries 2023

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 salaries 2023

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, starlink, the ultimate communication solution for superyacht crew welfare. or is there more to improve, maritime training academy: providing crew accessible courses anytime, anywhere, writing your superyacht cv include your life skills, when is a good time to stop & think about your financial future.

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Superyacht Crew Salaries: First Report Released 

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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 salaries 2023

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 salaries 2023

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 salaries 2023

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 salaries 2023

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 salaries 2023

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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Yachting Crew Salary Guidelines and Position Descriptions

Yacht crew salary guidelines Interactive job 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.

For years Luxury Yacht Group has established themselves as the busiest, most reputable crew agency in the yachting industry. Founder and President Rupert Connor launched the company in 2001 with that exact goal in mind. Over the past decade and a half, the agency has grown in major proportions with offices located across the globe, and expansions into the yacht operations, charter and sales divisions.

The recently launched ‘Yacht Department Directory’ allows you to read about each individual department, and browse through the positions within. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks onboard, and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and experience. The salary guides show a range of pay according to position.

Within each profession there is a detailed break-down of the job and its’ corresponding salary range. These pages are incredibly beneficial to owners and crew, as well as candidates joining the industry. They explain in depth what role each person plays onboard, their specific duties, and the required skills. They also advise which characteristics could be ‘salary modifiers’. In the case of captain as example, a skillset that would modify the salary in a positive way would be speaking multiple languages, but limited experience in the intended cruising area (specific to that job) could result in a decrease of monthly pay. Luxury Yacht Group has meticulously thought about all the factors and attributes that come into play.

The information under each department is also highly beneficial to any crew member looking to further their career on yachts. It clearly lays out the necessary career path for each profession, and goes into detail about how many years’ experience is needed, or what licenses are required to progress. For example, a bosun trying to advance to an officer position will typically have at least three years’ experience, and will have to get the required Officer of the Watch license at a minimum. Holders of an OOW are capable of leading navigational watches with confidence, and the captain will rely on these candidates to manage the deck team.

Another nifty feature inside these pages are the ‘Position Statistics’ which illustrate how many candidates the live data is actively pulling from. At the time of writing this article, statistics for the captain position stated: “Our data is calculated from 17,773 relevant work experience records out of 70,107 experiences in the deck department.” It also goes on to show the average longevity in this position is at 751 days, and that there are 491 candidates currently available as captains on Luxury Yacht Group’s books. This data is alive and will adjust regularly as crew filter in and out of jobs.

Captain job description Position statistics

It’s tools like these that have given Luxury Yacht Group their edge over competitors. The agency continues to grow and refine the largest professional yacht crew database in the industry. The team has degrees in management, business, engineering, marketing and design. Many of their employees have come from a background in yachting and bring with them factual onboard yachting experiences, positioning Luxury Yacht Group as a well-rounded leader in their field.

Engineering License Changes

Engineering License Changes

The MCA has restructured the engineering certifications. The MEOL course has been done away with, and the AEC course made mandatory and more thorough. Luxury Yacht Group explains all these changes, what engineers progressing through the ranks can do now, and how Y ticket holders can convert their licenses over to the structure.

14 Mar 2018

A Day in the life Chief

A Day in the Life Series – Chief Stewardess

For a yacht to run smoothly, it requires many working parts, and the interior department is a large component of this. The chief stewardess oversees this department and makes sure all the stewardesses onboard know what their tasks and responsibilities are. The interior department is largely in charge of the guest services whilst they are onboard, and responsible for interior maintenance of the yacht when they are not.

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Entry deck

A Day in the Life Of Series - Entry Stewardess

Joining the yachting industry is an exciting and daunting undertaking. In this two part interview we speak with Melanie about why she decided to join the superyacht industry, what her hopes and goals are, and what she has learnt so far as an entry level stewardess.

29 Nov 2017

Working On Yachts

There are currently over 15,000 yachts in the world large enough to require professional, qualified yacht crew and as a result this industry is growing rapidly each year.

A career in yachting can be rewarding, exciting and a wonderful opportunity to travel the world and explore new horizons!

Wherever there is water, you have the potential to go. Traditionally the yachting industry in the Mediterranean runs from April until September and from November to April in the States & Caribbean. Having said that, the possibilities are endless with many yachts circumnavigating the world.

Yachting is an eye opening, ultimately fun industry that demands hard work, perfection and attention to detail. We work with yacht crew every day and have a deep insight into what new crew should do to make the most of their career. Here are our top ten tips for starting out.

pdf

You cannot work on board a luxury yacht without getting your basic qualifications first. Bluewater offers a full range of crew training courses for those just starting in the industry:

  • STCW 95 Basic Training (Europe) 5 Day Course
  • Powerboat Level II 2 Day Course
  • Interior Introduction 3 Day Course
  • AEC 1 5 Day Course

We have a sample copy and lots of relevant advice on creating your first yachting CV within our 'Your CV' section.

Certain times of year are more favourable for new crew looking to join the industry. If you are going to Antibes or Palma, we advise end of March/April. Fort Lauderdale is different in that it is sunny most of the year, however there is a peak recruitment season around November each year.

In every yachting hub you will find english speaking bars and cafes filled with yacht crew. Make sure you go and explore to build your network within yachting. Although global, it is a small industry so make sure to present yourself professionally.

Finding your first position in yachting is the hardest. Make sure you are dock walking, looking for day work opportunities and handing out your CV. You may find that one day's work leads to a permanent role or other job interviews.

Read websites, follow yachting news, learn from other crew who were in your 'deck shoes' a few years ago. Good examples of yachting websites & magazines are:

  • Bluewater bluewateryachting.com
  • Dockwalk dockwalk.com
  • The Crew Report thecrewreport.com
  • The Triton thetriton.com

Apply for jobs, manage your course bookings and sign up for events.

You can buy pay as you go SIM cards either in newsagents or specialised telephone shops around the Mediterranean. This will help to save you money when job hunting!

Captains check Facebook and Twitter pages before interviews. Make sure any public images of you are professional and will not reduce your chances of employment. Once employed be sure to avoid any posts about your yachts, current location and inappropriate images.

A smart, professional appearance will win over shorts and a beach top.

The most important aspect when you are looking for work is to make sure your CV is up to date, well written and includes any relevant experience that you might have.

It is best to emphasize any hospitality experience or customer service skills you may have had, such as waitressing, hostessing, silver service, bartending, cooking, nanny/au-pairing, babysitting, flower arranging, cleaning and/or laundry experience.

Should you wish to join the engineering department, make sure you include all mechanical experience and qualifications, including all work done in refrigeration, air conditioning, work with engines, and any electrical work, electronics or AV/IT.

The most important aspect to include is any recreational sailing experience you may have had. If you are also qualified or experienced in woodwork or carpentry, have painting, polishing, varnishing know-how, then that is also great. In addition any diving, sailing, fishing, any water sports background are all fantastic skills that are easily transferable.

We deal with a great multitude of chef positions, ranging from crew chef to head chef. Most positions will require some form of culinary training, however some crew succeed in entering this department through the stew/cook route on a smaller yacht.

When filling in your online profile with us, make sure to only select positions that you are qualified to do onboard. Selecting more than 3-4 positions on your profile can confuse potential employers and effect our search results.

document

Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, including your photograph (in colour, face on, without sunglasses).

Your CV should be in a word format to ensure it can be opened easily by all employers.

List all recent contact information, references and work history.

Including a personal statement, along with a clear objective can help distinguish you from other candidates and helps prospective employers grasp your long term goals.

Don't give employers an excuse to dismiss your CV, review and spell check it!

Salary Guidelines

superyacht crew salaries 2023

Knowledge is power and the more you research, the more informed & on the ball you will be.

Make sure you have a printed copy of your CV with you and always arrive early and dressed in a smart way. Research the yacht, make yourself prepared & don't be afraid to ask questions.

The key to getting your first job is to network! Always carry a copy of your CV with you.

Remember the industry is a tight, professional network therefore it is crucial to communicate with others, walk the docks, distribute your CV and register with crew agencies. Bluewater is one of the longest-established crew agents - we have been finding people yacht jobs since 1991!

Keep the agencies up to date! Always make sure your profile has the correct location and contact numbers for you so we can get hold of you when we have the perfect role for you.

Your profile is essential to us finding you work, both now and in the future. We rely on the information you input to match you to the right jobs, so please make sure it is up to date and at least 85% complete. We receive thousands of vacancies each year, and search our database for the best candidates for each one... You will hear from us more often if you are checking in regularly! Once you find work you can set your profile to 'Not Available'.

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

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Clients Deck Superyacht Industry Insights

Chief Officer salary survey 2023 26 September 2023

chief officer chief officer salary survey crew salary survey superyacht salaries

A survey of over 100 Chief Officers has uncovered the latest trends in salary, leave and bonus packages for Chief Officers working onboard 40m to 100m+ superyachts.

The analysis, carried out by crew recruitment agency, Quay Crew, contains detailed comparisons between yacht size and usage and also explores whether length of time in the role and ticket level has an impact.

The key findings are:

  • The current average salary across all yacht sizes for a Chief Officer is €8,475, with solely private yachts paying 11% more than private/charter yachts.
  • 72.5% are time for time rotational roles.
  • Over half (54%) get annual pay rises, but only 16% are contractual, while 30% are inconsistent and unpredictable. 
  • The most common pay rise amount when given is between 2.1 and 5% of their previous salary (43%).
  • Over half of Chief Officers receive a 13th-month bonus while 21% get random and unpredictable bonuses. 14% get no bonus at all.
  • A third have been in the role between 1 and 3 years, followed by 24% who have 5 to 7 years’ experience. Just 12% have more than 7 years’ experience as a Chief Officer.
  • 47% hold a Master Unlimited or Master 3000 ticket at the highest level, while the same amount have achieved Chief Mate 3000 or Chief Mate Unlimited at the highest level.
  • The average age of a Chief Officer is 30 – although the age that people first become a Chief Officer has increased by around 18 months.

chief officer salary 1

Tom Rose, Officer Consultant and Team Leader at Quay Crew, commented:

“As with any salary survey in any industry, there are always exceptions and this is no different in yachting. There are clearly some outliers across all yacht size brackets which can skew the averages somewhat.

“However overall, the average salary of €8,475 is extremely healthy and the fact that almost three-quarters of the Chief Officers surveyed are receiving time for time rotation is also very positive.

“Having said that, these findings are not necessarily indicative of the jobs being recruited for of late, with a shortage of rotational roles becoming available. This is certainly down to Chief Officers committing to those yachts offering such packages and staying onboard long-term.

“When comparing private only and private/charter yachts, Chief Officers are two-thirds more likely to receive a contractual annual pay rise onboard a private yacht compared to those that charter as well.

“Drilling down into yacht size comparisons, the biggest salary uplift is from a 60-69m and 70-79m yacht (10%). Salaries then drop 4% drop when Chief Officers step up to 80-89m but all get 3:1 or time for time rotation whereas one in five roles onboard 70-79m are full time.

“One interesting observation is that the average age crew are taking on their first Chief Officer role is going up. This could be that crew are joining the industry later or that there are limited progression opportunities onboard some yachts to step up.”

chief officer salary 2

Tim Clarke, Director at Quay Crew, commented:

“One statistic that leaps out at us is that over a third (34%) of Chief Officers surveyed have been in the role for more than five years without stepping up to Captain. Anecdotally, getting your first drive position is the most challenging, so while this report highlights some average packages, it’s arguably more important to find a well-run boat that will support your goals.

Longevity is key, as is building a good relationship with the Captain, owner and management company, if applicable. Skipping jobs to earn a couple of hundred Euros more may not benefit your career in the long term.

Generally speaking, Chief Officer jobs are good at the moment, but if you want to know what you need to do to make the transition to Captain as easy as possible, we’d be happy to advise.”

chief officer salary 3

We are currently working on Captain and other HOD salary reports. If you want to take part or be able to access these reports, please sign up to our new client portal here.

Chief Officer salary survey 2023

About the author

Interior crew secondary skills – what not to do

Chief stew salary survey 2023, keep up to date sign up to the quay crew newsletter.

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COMMENTS

  1. 2023 Superyacht Crew Salary Survey

    The Results of the 2023 Salary Survey. Our annual salary survey provided some unprecedented insights to what captains and crew earned in 2023. The yachting industry is slowly returning to normal in the wake of the pandemic. Yachts are back to work around the world and many new ones are in the pipeline thanks to the surge in popularity the ...

  2. YPI CREW Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023

    There may be several different rotational schemes on a particular yacht, 5:1 for the junior crew, 3:1 for the intermediary position and full rotation for positions of responsibility. The rotational salary is generally only a reduced monthly reduction (between 10 and 20%) and allows for a larger pool of candidates who are fully committed to the ...

  3. 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 ...

  4. Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023

    These salary rates are based on the current state of the employment market in yachting in 2023. Real wages always vary depending on the candidate's experience, training, certificates and additional skills. ... Different Salaries of Yacht Crew Jobs. The workers are well paid. Most yacht crew claims that they never invest their staff on their ...

  5. Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn [2023]

    May 25, 2023. 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!

  6. Yacht Crew Salaries: Are You Paying Appropriately?

    Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 Setting Sail: Sunday Superyacht Video. January 29, 2023 By Marie Cullen. ... Yacht crew salaries for interior departments saw mixed results. Junior stews typically earned the same regardless of yacht size, 2,500 to 3,500 euros ($2,700 to $3,800). Chief stews aboard superyachts exceeding 262 feet (80 meters) earned ...

  7. Superyacht Captain salary survey 2023

    Superyacht Captain salary survey 2023 18 December 2023 . captain salary survey crew salary survey superyacht captain superyacht salaries yacht captain. Share This Article. In our biggest salary survey yet, we have uncovered detailed insights into Superyacht Captain salary and leave packages. Almost 300 Captains responded across a range of yacht ...

  8. Quay Crew Releases 2023 Captain Salary Report

    Meanwhile, yacht captains of yachts between 60 to 69 meters are seeing the smallest monthly salary jump, from €15,774 in 2022 to €15,969 in 2023. Simon Ladbrooke, captain consultant for Quay Crew, detailed one interesting and unforeseen detail found from the captains' responses. "We were surprised, however, how many captains there are ...

  9. 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.

  10. Yacht Crew Salaries 2023

    2 min read. Apr 20, 2023. Listen. Share. Introducing our comprehensive and meticulously researched salary guide for yacht crew! YachtCareerHubby J4Crewhave collected data from over 4000 ...

  11. Yacht Crew Salary Guide

    Read the latest report and analysis of current crew's salaries on Oyster Yachts - published March 2024. Yachts Charter Brokerage Ownership Oyster World Rally. ... Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She sets a new 50 foot bluewater benchmark, offering a stunning combination of sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living ...

  12. Yacht Crew Salaries: The Current State

    Specifically, when comparing salaries in euros for a 50-meter yacht between 2008 and 2023, certain trends emerge. In the case of Captains, the industry average in 2008 ranged from 7,000 to 10,000 euros per month, while this year, it has extended from 7,000 to 15,000 euros per month. Similarly, Chief Engineers in 2008 were earning an average of ...

  13. 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.

  14. PDF SALARY GUIDELINES S

    LARY 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 r. cruitment agency. We take real data from crew starting and ending salaries to create. these guidelines. Crew reviewing these guidelines should consider their ...

  15. 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 ...

  16. 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!".

  17. Superyacht Crew Salaries: First Report Released

    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.

  18. 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.

  19. Working on Yachts

    In every yachting hub you will find english speaking bars and cafes filled with yacht crew. Make sure you go and explore to build your network within yachting. Although global, it is a small industry so make sure to present yourself professionally. ... Salary Guidelines. Position. Less than 30m. 30-40m. 40-50m. 50-70m. 70-80m. 80-100m+ Captain ...

  20. Chief Engineer salary survey 2023

    Our latest salary survey among superyacht HODs reveals salary and package information for Chief Engineers. More than 100 responses were collected from both newly appointed and experienced Chief Engineers onboard yachts ranging from 40m to 100m+ yachts. The analysis contains detailed comparisons between yacht size and usage, ticket and experience.

  21. 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 ...

  22. Chief Officer salary survey 2023

    The current average salary across all yacht sizes for a Chief Officer is €8,475, with solely private yachts paying 11% more than private/charter yachts. 72.5% are time for time rotational roles. Over half (54%) get annual pay rises, but only 16% are contractual, while 30% are inconsistent and unpredictable.

  23. What happened to Russia's seized superyachts?

    Crew salaries and vast mooring fees must be paid. ... In June 2023 the Alfa Nero, a yacht alleged to be owned by the US-sanctioned phosphate billionaire Andrey Guryev, which has been impounded in ...