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2023/2024 Superyacht Crew Salary Guide

Whether you’re continuing a long-standing career, climbing the career ladder, or getting your feet wet for the first time, Dockwalk ’s Salary Guide provides the full picture when it comes to crew compensation. 

Salary is generally one of the top motivators for those looking for jobs in yachting, but it remains a closely guarded secret. Each year, the Dockwalk Salary Survey goes out to thousands of crewmembers and crew agencies across the world, gathering real-time salary feedback with the aim of creating greater transparency and understanding across the industry.

The 2024 Salary Survey will be open soon.

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 "social distant" yachting lifestyle has enjoyed. But, while this return to normalcy has opened up new crew jobs this year, crew themselves have been returning to the workplace in large numbers and competition has been fierce.

Many of the crew agents reported that crew wages largely are flat this year compared to last. Salaries went up in 2021 and 2022 when crew were in short supply, but now more crew are available than previously. While crew are demanding higher pay this year, they’re not necessarily receiving it, but some agents have seen salaries continue to rise since Covid. There are many factors that can affect the salary crew can expect, including where a yacht is based and the season.

The tables below show the “agency range,” which gives the average lows and highs of all ranges provided by the agencies, the “poll range,” where results from individual working captains and crew are tallied to show the lowest and highest of all the responses, and the “poll average” calculated from all the responses. Note that our figures do not account for longevity and experience, crew benefit packages, tips, or similar extra remuneration.

Not all positions with corresponding boat sizes had enough poll responses to be considered significant; those categories are marked with an asterisk to indicate if fewer than five crew responded in that size range for that position. Several categories had no or only one response, which is also noted.

To view the full table:

Dockwalk Salary Survey 2023 in USD and Euros

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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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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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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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:

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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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How Much Does a Yacht Captain Make?

Captains of luxury yachts command a base salary well into six figures. Dependent on the length of the vessel, tenure of experience, and level of licensing yacht captain salaries range from $48,000 to over $300,000.

As the length of yachts increases, the complexity of the position of captain escalates. Although the job of yacht captain is often portrayed as one of luxury and leisure, it is a career choice of vast responsibility. While the exact details of a job description vary from program to program, the captain is the CEO of a small corporation. He/she reports to the Chairman of the Board - the yacht owner.

The Luxury Yacht Group webpage presents salary guidelines. Variation within the ranges reflect license level, experience and longevity of the captain 1 .

Additional parts of the salary package include bonuses, health insurance, flight expenses, paid vacation, training and certification cost reimbursement, and uniforms. Because the position requires residency aboard the vessel 24/7 all food and sundries are routinely supplied to crew. If the yacht is available for charter, the captain will also earn tips from charter guests. The industry is unique and each vessel in it has individual programs.

An average mega yacht with 12 crew has operating expenses between four and ten million dollars. The budget is based on where the yacht is moored, whether it is available for charter, and its travel destinations. On some yachts, a management company or a part of the owner’s business network handles accounting and makes financial decisions. On other yachts, the captain manages all aspects of the budget, chooses what charters to take and where to station the boat between charters, when and where to have yard work, and all personnel decisions.

A basic list of captain job responsibilities includes:

• Ultimate safety for passengers, crew, environment & vessel
• Achieving owner’s objectives?
• Crew hiring and dismissal?
• Personnel management?
• Shipyard/project management?
• Legal and regulatory compliance?
• Navigation?

Ultimate safety

The Captain holds the life of all aboard in his hands. He is also held accountable for the yacht itself and the environment. He must understand the mechanics of the boat, all electronic tools aboard, international regulatory requirements, and rules of the flag state.

Achieving owner’s objectives

Owner objectives are broad ranging. The captain is the mouthpiece for the interests of the owner. He holds the responsibility to reach outcomes which benefit the owner. The owner may simply require the captain to provide luxury service when he (she) is aboard. Some owners regularly use the vessel with family and guests, others may be aboard only occasionally. Charter periods for the vessel also factor into the objectives of the owner.

Crew hiring and dismissal

The requirements of the Marine Labor Convention (MLC) for contracting, dismissing, and managing are explicit and require strict adherence. Throughout any hiring or dismissal, the safety of the vessel and owner as well as issues of confidentiality must be assured by the captain. Identifying the best employees for the program involve a balance of certification, experience and personality.

Personnel management

Managing between 12 and 40 regular crew members aboard a mega/superyacht, day workers and seasonal hires is routine. From dive master, to stewardess, chef, and ETO, the captain must have a working knowledge of the positions and set expectations for performance. In a multi-cultural environment (both guests and crew), the example the captain sets for work ethic, responsibility, and communication optimizes yacht operations. The challenge is complicated by the close quarters of crew accommodations and the group working/living together 24/7.

Shipyard/project management

The Captain oversees issues of time and costs for routine maintenance and vessel upgrades. Knowledge of register and flag requirements are tools the captain uses to define the project, obtain quotes, and supervise the work.

Legal and regulatory

The maritime industry is dynamic. In addition to the flag state and regulatory requirements mentioned above, the captain must remain current with all Maritime Guidance Notices (MGN), Maritime Information Notes (MIN), amendments to all international marine safety codes, and product notices. A knowledge of the global differences in regulations, enforcement agencies and regional mores is critical.

Each vessel has a different business model. At a minimum, the captain is responsible for budget oversight and financial record keeping. If the owner engages a management company, the captain is the interface between the yacht and that organization.

The classic definition of a captain’s job is that of a navigator. Safely plotting a course, following the course, docking and departing from berths are all fundamental vessel handling skills. A seasoned captain has personal familiarity of cruising geographies. Despite the importance and skills required, a small percentage of a captain’s time is dedicated to task.

How does that list of responsibilities distill into the profile of a captain? It takes decades of training, hours logged, certification, and experience to reach the level of performance required to captain a mega/super yacht. In addition to each of those quantifiable requirements, elements of character and temperament differentiate captains.

• Calm and charismatic personality?
• Superior leadership, communication, management and diplomacy skills?
• Excellent boat handling and navigational skills?
• Excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices?
• Excellent maintenance, engineering and technical / troubleshooting experience?
• Ability to remain calm and give directions in an emergency situation?
• Organized and methodical?
• Financial management, business acumen, management skills?
• Languages and cultural sensitivity
• Extensive maritime licensing

Leadership of the crew involves training, coaching and refereeing. When a captain steps into the position of leadership on a large vessel, it is understood that he has ten years (minimum) of increasing responsibility. Training and education were used during that decade to resolve situations without damage to vessel, harm of the environment, or human injury.

As manager and protector of the owner’s investment, the captain negotiates for goods and services. When issues arise, it is the captain who develops options and makes recommendations. Using the comparison to a traditional business, the CEO (captain) and the President of the Board (owner) interface on strategic decisions.

The mega yacht captain is more than just an asset manager. The captain implements owner preferences in order to assure him the best yachting experience. Once an owner has determined the style of yacht he wants to own - how, when, where they want to use vessel - costs of operating and budget generalities are defined. The ultimate goal of captain and crew is the happiness of the owner(s) and their guests. Crew is the primary factor in the owner/guest experience and in a successful program. The captain fully understands and manages the limitations of vessel and crew.

As vessels increased in length, machinery and electronics increased in complexity. In parallel with those changes, regulatory agencies and flag states requirements escalated. The requirements of International Safety Management Code (ISM) and International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS) reflect the challenges of operating a mega yacht. The captain holds responsibility for implementing all requirements aboard and remaining current with the changes made to respond to new issues within the industry.

During the last decade, the number of superyacht hulls nearly doubled. Based on the 2010 Global Order Book, the superyacht industry managed to grow even during the financial crisis of 2008. The Knight Frank Wealth Report (2016) for the decade concluded that the wealth required to maintain a yacht appears impervious to economic cycles. It does project a slight worldwide slowing of the number of ultra-high-networth individuals during the upcoming decade.

How does that economic data translate into job opportunity for yacht captains who have followed the established career path? How resilient is the opportunity during periods like the global downturn experienced in 2008?

Marcy Laturno, Director of Crew Placement & Charter Specialist at Luxury Yacht Group answered:

A long-term mega yacht captain added:

Securing a position as captain aboard mega and super yachts is competitive. Although new builds are released every year, each year there are additional individuals who have established professional credentialing and adequate experience aboard. Professional captains seek positions where they can assemble a stable crew, build longevity and establish a relationship with the yacht owner.

The position of mega/super yacht captain commands a salary which reflects the level of responsibility and the years of personal and professional development. A relatively small number of positions creates a competitive job market where longevity and experience are rewarded.

• Luxury Yacht Group website

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 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.

18 Dec 2017

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

Yachting Financial Solutions

An insider’s guide to yacht crew salaries.

There are lots of advantages to working on board a superyacht. You live on board, so you don’t need to travel to work. All your living expenses are paid for by the boat. Your meals are prepared for you. You also get to travel the world, seeing the world’s most gorgeous locations and meeting people from different cultures. Best of all, you get paid for doing so—and in many cases your salary is tax-free.

But how much do yacht crew actually earn? That depends on a quite a few things, some of which you can control, others you can’t—or at least not in the short term.

Qualifications and experience are obviously important. Your chances of attracting more pay will be higher the more years you have under your belt.

You may also have a relevant skill from your life outside of yachting that could make you attractive to a yacht, and therefore make it more appealing to pay you more. For instance, if you’re a divemaster, personal trainer or already have training in hospitality, you are likely to be able to command a higher salary.

Here is an overview of what you can expect to earn in various positions on board a superyacht:

Yacht Crew Salary Guide

The salaries listed here are indications based on our experience of the superyacht industry. They may not reflect your actual salary.

These salary guidelines are an indication of what you can expect to be paid by the boat. However, the more important issue is how much you will be paid by yourself. And by that, we mean how much will you ring fence at the beginning of each month, so you don’t end up spending every penny of your salary? In other words, how much will you save every month, so that at the end of your career in yachting you’ll have something to show for your hard work?

The easy thing to do is to spend the lot. But that would be an incredible shame. Working in yachting presents you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the financial freedom needed to live your ideal dream life after yachting. We’ve written about this unique opportunity here:  The Unique Financial Opportunity of Superyacht Crew . Short version: you are paid well (very well at mid and senior levels) and your obligatory monthly outgoings are minimal. That puts you in a terrific position to invest and save enough money to leave yachting financially independent.

That sounds great, doesn’t it? Even more so when we tell you that financial freedom is a simple thing to achieve. However, ‘simple’ isn’t the same as ‘easy’. In fact, many simple things in life are actually very hard indeed. Running a marathon is simple. All you have to do is run 42.2km. But running 42.2km isn’t easy. It takes dedication and preparation beforehand, along with some pain and a lot of discipline. The same can be said of becoming financially independent. But, much like the kudos and euphoria that comes from completing a marathon, the rewards for achieving financial independence are high. It’s hard to imagine anything being more rewarding than achieving the freedom to do whatever you want for the rest of your life.

The thing is, you’ve already shown the qualities needed. You’ve already proved you have what it takes. After all, you’re the kind of person who has the courage and tenacity to leave their home country and build a new life halfway across the world. Not only that, you work on board a superyacht. And we all know it isn’t an easy environment to work in. It’s mentally and physically tough—particularly during the busy seasons.

Don’t run the money marathon alone

However, just like you don’t have to train for a marathon all by yourself, you don’t have to achieve financial freedom on your own. You can get yourself a coach, who will work on a plan to help you achieve our goal. Someone who will also breakdown the work you’ll need to do to get you to your finish line. Someone who believes in you and who will coax and encourage when the going gets tough (which it will).

If you’re ready to start the work to achieve financial freedom for yourself, Yachting Financial Solutions can offer you over 25 years of experience of helping superyacht crew like you build the foundations for their ideal dream lives after yachting. We’re more than financial planners, we’re financial life coaches. Our life goal is to help you achieve your life goal.

Remember, this is only the beginning for you. You’re at the start of your yachting career—really only at the start of your life—and the possibilities for you in the industry are tremendous. If you decide to make yachting your career, with further qualifications and an eager attitude, you will progress and continue to command a higher and higher salary.

That said, never lose sight of the fact that your time in yachting will be limited, either by personal or other reasons. Very few people have a yachting career that spans decades. So it’s vital that, while you’re working in the industry, you not only enjoy the present, but you also take action to build solid foundations for your life after yachting—because it will come one day.

A career in yachting has the potential to literally change your life in the most positive way imaginable—but you must grasp the opportunity! Will you do that today? We’re here for you if you are.

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Essential Guides

Ocean Mapping

New to Yachting

• 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 .

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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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.

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.

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

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: 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!

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

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.

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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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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Cape Coral's 2024 election could bring massive changes to the city council

Correction: A previous version indicated that Dan Sheppard had received and continued to receive stipend money when he had not.

This November election could see a seismic shift to Cape Coral City Council as five seats are up for grabs, with recent controversies like stipends and park developments casting a shadow on the incumbents.

Over the past few months, residents have been in and out of the council chambers, with proposed improvements to Jaycee Park and the Yacht Club riling up emotions and questions over trust and integrity lingering in the minds of voters who were upset by the council's approval of stipends.

Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 will be on the November ballot, and on top of the issues above, officials will also have to contend with the city's growth and expansions.

Cape Coral has a council-manager form of government with seven non-partisan districts with population sizes that are as equal as possible and follow the center lines of streets or canals.

Council members are currently voted at large citywide.

So far, one incumbent has said he is not running with another termed out, three are, and 10 challengers have filed with the election office to signal they are running.

After the June 10-14 qualifying period, we'll know who will be on the ballot.

Here's what you need to know for the upcoming November election.

Cape Coral's growing future

Cape Coral has a population of more than 216,000 residents , according to the U.S. Census.

The city's growth management consulting firm estimates Cape Coral will get 100,000 new residents by 2050 for a population of over 318,000.

Because of the huge growth, council members are routinely responsible for deciding whether to approve new housing and commercial developments, how to manage traffic, pass ordinances and resolutions dealing with quality of life, and approving critical infrastructure improvements.

Cape Coral City Council's stipend controversy

Regarding the large responsibilities of council members, stipends were introduced and voted on to cover the growing expense of individual members and their added responsibilities.

The council approved monthly stipends for each member on Dec. 13. It was a voting item listed on the consent agenda and approved without discussion in a 5-1 vote, with Councilmember Welsh opposing it.

Councilmember Dan Sheppard was not present when the stipends for the council were approved, a move that he maintained he did because he needed to go to the bathroom.

Many residents previously criticized this move as circumventing the city's charter and a way to raise the council's pay without a referendum, and they pointed out that the council has been going down a bad path by eliminating several volunteer boards

The stipends amounted to $3,333 monthly for council members and $5,000 for the mayor, essentially doubling the council's current salaries.

Council members are paid a base yearly salary of $37,368.96, and the mayor is paid a base salary of $41,954.11.

A year of stipends amounts to $39,996 for each council member and $60,000 for the mayor. The total annual cost would be $403,532.83.

Additionally, the charter includes a provision to allow members to cover necessary expenses incurred while performing their jobs.

Several organizations took issue with the council for this decision.

The Lee County GOP repeatedly showed up to denounce the city council's self-appointed stipend and voted to withhold support for candidates involved in that decision.

This includes withholding names from literature or advertisements for the reelection of council members who voted in favor of stipends and accept the payments.

Additionally, the Cape Coral Preservation PAC was created partly to make  the council pay back their stipend  through a referendum.

However, the group's efforts failed to make it on the ballot last month.

Even one councilor's effort to address pay with a possible reversal of the stipend failed to make it on the ballot.

Jaycee Park and "waste of taxpayer dollars" developments

As for park development, the PAC made its main mission to put the proposed plans for Jaycee Park on the ballot.

Jaycee Park is an 11.8-acre park that opened more than 40 years ago and includes large open green spaces, a playground, a picnic area, restrooms, a walking path, and a gazebo.

The park reached its 30% design benchmark in March and continues to move forward toward a final design.

Pennoni Associates, a consulting engineering firm, had been contracted for the preliminary and updated designs, which include two docks for 24 boat slips, a splash pad, two beach volleyball courts, a bistro/piazza area, areas for six food trucks, and a bandshell.

Improvements to the park are estimated to cost $12 million for construction, and the city plans to issue a long-term bond to pay for the project, which means city residents and future residents will bear the cost.

The PAC and many residents railed against the plans, calling them unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money. To this day, residents still show up to regular meetings, asking that the city stop these plans.

Though the referendum effort failed, the organization said they plan to ensure that the council members for the changes to the park get replaced.

In its efforts, the PAC gathered 7,700 petitions, which the chairwoman previously said shows thousands of people oppose the city's plans for the park.

Another large-scale project that caught the attention of residents and could cost them large sums of money is the Yacht Club .

Hurricane Ian disrupted the city's initial plans to renovate  The Yacht Club Community Park , sparking a tug-of-war between traditionalists and those advocating for progress on the fate of the facilities.

Workers started razing the building in April, after months of waiting for permits. The new Yacht Club will feature a two-story community center, a parking garage, a new restaurant, a pool, and other amenities.

The estimated cost of the project could be upward of  $100 million  with  no clear date on when construction will start or be completed .

Additionally, the future council will have to determine how to fund the new Yacht Club building as the cost will soar beyond the initial $10.9 million from the Parks and Recreation General Obligation (GO) Bond funding . The council previously brought up the idea of issuing a 20-year bond to cover the cost .

The current incumbents supported the Yacht club's demolition and shift in plans throughout the year.

Here's the landscape and where each council member stands in preparation for the election.

District 2, southwest Cape Coral

Councilmember Dan Sheppard won his seat in 2020 and previously ran for mayor in 2017.

He owns and operates Sheppard Landscape and Palm Source Pine Island, LLC.

The former New Jersey resident came to the city in the late 1990s and previously stated that he works toward bolstering business, beautifying the city, and helping improve public safety.

He said he's still contemplating whether he will seek election as of May 30.

Additionally, he announced that he was giving his share of the stipend money toward the beautification of the city.

But said he has since changed his mind on receiving the stipend earlier this year and reversed payment of stipend money received after the decision was approved.

One challenger, Craig Unroe , a network technician with Lumen Technologies, is planning to unseat him.

District 3, east quadrant of mid-Cape Coral

Councilmember Tom Hayden has served as the District 3 council member since 2020 whose term is set to expire in November, but he announced in January that he will not run for another term.

He moved to Cape Coral in 1996 and previously worked for The News-Press for over 20 years.

During his term, he had to contend with COVID-19, decisions on parks and attractions such as the Yacht Club and Coral Oaks Golf Course, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, and delivering needed infrastructure to the growing city of Cape Coral.

There are currently three candidates vying for his empty seat.

These include Mackenzie Cofell, Daniel J Ludlow, a disabled veteran, and Deborah Lee McCormick, a retiree who worked for the tax collector's office.

District 4, middle quadrant of south Cape Coral

After the suspension of former Councilmember Patty Cummings , the council chose to appoint an individual to her vacant seat until the November election.

Whoever wins the seat will need to run again in 2026 to finish Cumming's original term.

Richard Carr is the incumbent and was selected out of 13 candidates who applied in December.

Carr moved from New England to Fort Myers in 1990 to become a police officer. From there, he bought a home in Cape Coral in 1993.

Most of his work experience was outside the city, but he worked as the manager for the city's code enforcement division for six and a half years.

He said he wants to give the best representation he can to the city while helping manage the city's inevitable growth.

There are two challengers currently planning to unseat him.

These include William Matthews, finance accounting director with EMPG-Solutions, and Robert (Bob) Sutter, semi-retired military veteran and CEO and president of Future State Partners Inc.

District 5, west quadrant of mid-Cape Coral

Councilmember Robert Welsh has lived in Cape Coral since 1985 and graduated from Mariner High School in 2002.

Welsh opposed the stipend and led the work on the referendum to address council pay.

Welsh works for his parents’ company, Arthur Printing, and succeeded his mother, Lois Welsh, for the council seat back in 2020.

He and his wife Shannon Welsh also own Roots Salon, a hair salon at 1611 SE 47th Terrace.

There are two challengers currently trying to unseat him.

These include Charlie Pease , director at  Cape Coral Technical College , and Joseph Kilraine , who worked for Olin Corp. and Occidental Petroleum.

District 7, northeast Cape Coral

Councilmember Jessica Cosden is in her last term, so her time as a Cape Coral official ends in November.

Cosden is a Cape Coral native and graduated from Mariner High School in 2002. She became the youngest member of the council when she won in 2015 and won her consecutive term in 2020, after a charter change that caused the city elections to coincide with presidential and midterm elections.

She works as a music teacher at the Pace Center for Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.

There are currently two candidates vying for her empty seat.

These include Michael David Harper and Rachel Kaduk, a loan officer for a bank.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official .