superyacht captain salary uk

Quay Crew Releases 2023 Captains Salary Survey

Quay Crew has announced the release of its latest and largest HoD salary survey to date. Almost 300 captains responded across a range of yacht sizes from under 30 meters to over 100 meters.

In addition to average pay and leave, pay rises and bonus activities, the report also compares the experience of being a captain and a chief officer, ticket levels and longevity on board. It also compares the results to previous survey findings in 2020 and 2022.  

“ In our most detailed salary report to date, we have gained an insight into the real-time compensation captains receive, broken down by yacht size and with several other comparables too,” said Simon Ladbrooke, Captain Consultant at Quay Crew .

“A key takeaway this year is that, despite a slight decline in salaries between 2020 and 2022, the average monthly pay is now higher across all size brackets, representing a median 6.75% increase.

“Time for time rotation has also grown in popularity on all sized yachts, with the exception of yachts  under 39m which are all full time at the moment.

“By gathering chief officer experience as well as longevity on their current yacht, we can surmise that onboard promotion is on the rise. The average age that someone becomes captain is now older and the number of years of experience as chief officer is higher, suggesting the transition is also taking longer.

“This is undoubtedly down to there being more competition amongst candidates and it being more difficult to make that initial step up.

“However, almost three quarters say it took them less than six months to get their first captain role. Along with the extensive chief officer experience demonstrated in this survey, this could be largely down to onboard promotion.

Having said that, we were very surprised at this statistic as it doesn’t match at all with our experience. Often, chief officers are looking for several years before they finally get their opportunity. It’s something we definitely want to explore further in another survey.”

Top-level statistics include:   

Every yacht bracket has seen a salary rise since 2020 and 2022.

Full rotation is increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50m yachts, with an 11% decline overall in captains having under 59 days of leave.

40% of captains receive an annual pay rise, although this is not part of their contract.

38% receive a 13th-month bonus, but random and unpredictable bonuses are more common.

70% of captains have Master 3000.

50% of the captains who responded have over 10 years’ experience in the role and 32% were chief officers for three to years prior.

A third of captains have been on their current yacht for over three years.

Flight allowance improves with yacht size, with 49% of captains receiving business class flights as part of their package.

The average age at which respondents first became captain is 32.5 years old. 

The full report contains a comprehensive analysis of salaries and leave in each yacht size bracket and also compares full-time and rotational role. It also explores any correlation between experience and the type of ticket held. 

To obtain access to this salary report or QuayCrew’s previous reports for chief officers, chief stews or chief engineers please get in touch via [email protected] .

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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 is now open.

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.

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How to use the data presented here

The table has been drawn up with the information collated with figures from the past year within various yacht departments. Please note that they an indication only of starting salaries and the actual salary will vary depending on multiple factors.

Many elements need to be taken into consideration with regards to yacht crew salaries and not just the size of the yacht. The type of yacht (motor or sail), its usage (private, charter or both) and cruising schedule will influence the salary offered. Additionally, key elements of the candidate’s profile must also be reviewed, what is their previous experience, how long have they been in a particular role, have they recently acquired a new qualification, and do they have a specialised skill set that will influence the salary negotiation?

The highlighted section corresponds to yachts who offer a scheduled leave or rotational package.

Salaries here need to be modulated in accordance with the type of rotation offered, 5:1; 3:1 or 2:2 for example. 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 yacht, its programme and owner.

For many key roles, professional qualifications are the basis to establishing a guideline salary, notably in the Engineering  and Officer’s Department.

Following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the yachting industry in 2020, the past 2021 was considered the year of revival for yacht crew placement.

With regards to salaries, the market saw a return to stability and no major new trends were recorded. There is always increased pressure to offer a scheduled leave or rotational scheme that now starts with yachts in the 40 to 50 metre range.

HOW MUCH DOES YACHT CREW EARN

Yacht crew salary guide.

The yachting industry is more appealing than ever, but it comes with its own set of challenges. With so many candidates available, the task is to match the right talent with the right yacht efficiently.

In this evolving market, crew members are prioritising a balanced work-life dynamic. While salaries and leave packages in yachting are usually competitive, flexibility is now crucial for attracting top-notch crew. Offering more flexibility in leave allows for a broader selection of candidates who are dedicated to the yacht, its schedule and its owner.

Key trends in superyacht crew recruitment

Offering Competitive Compensation Packages

Salaries and leave packages remain a crucial factor in attracting skilled crew members. Highly qualified crew are seeking packages that accurately reflect their expertise, certifications and the value they bring to their roles onboard.

Preference for Work-Life Balance

The desire for a better work-life balance continues to be prevalent among superyacht crew. This includes preferences for rotational positions that allow for scheduled time off, as well as yachts with itineraries that offer a good mix of guest-on and guest-off periods. Employers are responding by adjusting leave schedules and offering more flexible contracts to attract and retain top talent.

Emphasis on Soft Skills

While technical prowess remains crucial, there's a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills. Attributes such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability are increasingly emphasised during the recruitment process, reflecting the collaborative nature of yacht crew work and the premium placed on guest experience.

Underscoring Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, conversations are developing around sustainable practices. This includes expertise in managing waste, reducing emissions and operating advanced environmental technology on board.

Deck Department

 All the Captain and Officer salaries will depend on experience and maritime qualifications.

* On smaller yachts the First Officer is generally referred to as the Mate or First Mate. On yachts over 100m / 3000GT there are often two distinct roles for a First Officer and a Chief Officer.

** Specialised Deckhand positions will englobe a Deckhand Tender Driver, Kite Surfer, Carpenter, Diver etc.

Sole/Chief Engineer:

For 30m — 40m the salary is based on the candidates holding an AEC/Y4

For 40m — 50m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw

For 50m — 70m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y2 / SV Chief 9000kw

For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y1 / SV Chief 9000kw

For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y1/Class I

For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a Class I

Second Engineer:

For 40m — 50m the salary is based on the candidates holding an AEC

For 50m — 70m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw and on rotation. If the role is permanent then an EOOW qualification is required and the salary would be 5 000—6 500€

For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw

For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y2/Class II

For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a Class I/Class II

Third Engineer:

For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a AEC

For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding an EOOW - equal rotation or 4:2 for example

For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding an EOOW - equal rotation or 4:2 for example

For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a STCW III/4

For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a STCW III/4

Please note that the salaries below are an indication only of starting salaries and that the actual salary will vary depending on multiple factors; 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  [email protected]  for any further information.

Download the full YPI CREW recruitment market report

Download the YPI CREW Recruitment Market Report for an in-depth analysis of current trends in superyacht crew recruitment. Gain valuable insights into the market dynamics and trends specific to each department, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry landscape.

Are you looking for yacht crew for your yacht?

Contact our recruiters who will strive to find the perfect fit to your existing crew by presenting suitable, available and interested candidates, who will be pre-interviewed and credentials checked.​

You can get in touch with us today by clicking here .

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YPI CREW Announces its 2024 Superyacht Recruitment Market Report

Embarking on an Engineering Career in Yachting: Crafting Your CV

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Engineering Department

Chef department.

* No yachting experience

** Rotational positions start at 6 000€ while non-rotational positions start at 7 000€ *** Combined Cook/Stew or Cook/Deck role **** Lower end refers to crew with no yachting experience

***** Rotational positions start at 4 500€ while non-rotational positions start at 5 000€

More and more yachts, from 30m+, are offering rotation at all levels in the galley in order to secure the best candidate on the market. 

Interior Department

Specialist Positions

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

Chief Officer

First Officer*

Second Officer

Third Officer

Specialised Deckhand**

Deckhand Junior

4 500—6 000

45–60 days

3 500—4 500

2 800—3 000

45 days

6 000—9 000

3 500—5 500

8 000—13 000

45–60 days or equal rotation

5 500—7 000

50–60 days

3 800—4 000

9 000—18 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

6 000—7 500

5 000—6 500

5 000—5 500

60–90 days

14 000—20 000

7 000—9 500

5 500—6 500

61-90 days or equal rotation

4 000—5 000

3:1 rotation

90 days or 3:1 rotation

15 000—23 000

8 500—11 000

62-90 days or equal rotation

Discretionary

Equal rotation

9 500 + discretionary

7 500—10 000

6 500—7 500

4 500—5 500

3:1 rotation or equal rotation

Salary (€)

Chief Engineer

1st Engineer

Second Engineer

Third Engineer

ETO & AV/IT

4 000—6 000

Non-rotational

5 000—8 000

Non-rotational or equal rotation

7 500—10 000+

6 500—7 000

Non rotation or rotation

6 000—7 000

11 000—15 000+

7 000 — 8 000

Non-rotation or rotation

3 200—4 000

7 000—8 000+

13 000—15 000+

8 500—10 000

8 000—10 000

Head Chef/Sole Chef

4 500*—5 500

5 000—6 000

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

6 000—8 500

4 000—5 000***

6 000**—9 000

4 000****—6 000

4 500*****—6 000

2:2 rotation

Head of Service

Head of Housekeeping

Experienced Stew 1–3 years experience

Junior Stew 0–1 years experience 

3 500—4 000

2 800—3 300

4 000—5 500

3 000—4 500

3 000—4 500

4 500—6 000

3 800—4 250

6 500—8 000

90 days+ or equal rotation

5 500—8 000

60 days+, 90 days+ or equal rotation

4 250—5 500

60 days+ or 90 days+

7 000—8 000

equal rotation

90 days+ or equal rotation

4500—5 500

8 000—9 500

7 000—8 500

5 000—6 000

Spa Manager (with yachting experience)

Spa Therapist (with advanced level training)

Masseuse / Beautician (with basic training courses)

Personal Trainer

Laundry Master

3 300—4 500

4 000—4 500

4 000—5 000

90 days + or equal rotation

Are you ready to find your new ideal job on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search.  

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

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By Conor Feasey 12 Jan 2024

Captain salaries on the rise

Quay crew’s most detailed salary report to date reveals a rise in captains’ wages following a slight decline in recent years, amongst other findings….

After a slight decline in recent years, Captain salaries are back on the rise according to findings in Quay Crew ’s Captain Salary Report 2023 . The detailed report also highlights how the growth of the industry is affecting Captaincy appointments, an increase in competition for placements, and a need for a more structured pay rise structure to foster longevity.

Around 300 Captains responded to the survey across a range of yacht sizes from sub-30 metres to 100 metres plus. In addition to average pay and leave, pay rise and bonus activity, the 21-page report also compares Captain and Chief Officer experience, ticket level, longevity onboard, and comparisons to Quay Crew’s 2020 and 2022 survey findings.

“In our most detailed salary report to date, we have gained an insight into the real-time compensation Captains receive, broken down by yacht size and with several other comparables too,” says Simon Ladbrooke, Captain Consultant at Quay Crew. “A key takeaway this year is that, despite a slight decline in salaries between 2020 and 2022, the average monthly pay is now higher across all size brackets, representing a median 6.75% increase.”

The exact figures, as per the survey findings, illustrate an average monthly salary of €16,243, with €17,105 and €15,518 accounting for the salary of private and charter Captains respectively. In the 100-metre-plus segment, salaries stand at around €20,000 for both private and charter, a €3,500 jump from the 90-99 metre category. At the other end of the scale, wages range between €14,251 to €12,399, which is around €3,000 more than on board sub-39 metre yachts

Time for time rotation has also grown in popularity on all-sized yachts, with the exception of yachts under 39 metres, which are all full-time at present. Full rotation is also increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50 metres yachts, with an 11% decline overall in Captains with less than 59 days leave.

In terms of raises, Two-fifths of Captains receive an annual pay rise, although this is not part of their contract. A further 38% receive a 13th-month bonus, but random and unpredictable bonuses appear to be more commonplace across all segments.

Around 70% of Captains have a Master 3000 ticket but are operating on much smaller yachts. “We are increasingly seeing Captains with their Master 3000 taking time out to get their Marshall Islands Unlimited ticket,” adds Ladbrooke. “The most common reason for this is likely to be able to remain with their current employer who is going bigger.”

The survey data reveals the rapid growth of the superyacht sector as one of its primary observations. The average age at which individuals attain Captaincy for the first time has also increased to 32.5 years old and Chief Officers now accumulate more years of experience, indicating a prolonged transition.

“By gathering Chief Officer experience as well as longevity on their current yacht, we can surmise that onboard promotion is on the rise. The average age that someone becomes Captain is now older and the number of years of experience as Chief Officer is higher, suggesting the transition is also taking longer,” says Ladbrooke. This delay is likely influenced by heightened competition in the industry and increased difficulty in making the initial advancement.

Despite these challenges, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents claim it took them less than six months to secure their first Captain role, which is possibly attributed to onboard promotions and the substantial Chief Officer experience showcased in the survey. “We were very surprised at this statistic as it doesn’t match at all with our experience. Often, Chief Officers are looking for several years before they finally get their opportunity. It’s something we definitely want to explore further in another survey,” says Ladbrooke.

Additionally, more than half of respondents now receive business or first-class flights, dependent on flight duration, indicating a notable increase in this aspect. Flight allowance improves with yacht size, with 49% of Captains receiving Business Class flights as part of their package.

Looking at the overall average salary, Ladbrooke determines that they appear to be reasonable, though a smaller gap between private and private/charter incomes is anticipated. Being a charter Captain is acknowledged as very demanding, with the added complexity of handling various responsibilities, and fostering creativity and adaptability, all while maintaining crew motivation, despite the benefit of tips.

While positive, the frequency of pay raises and bonuses could benefit from a less arbitrary and discretionary approach to enhance Captain longevity. Exactly half of the Captains who responded have more than 10 years’ experience in the role and 32% were Chief Officers for three to five years prior. A third have been Captains on their current yacht for more than three years.

“The key takeaway for us is that, despite many of the respondents being experienced Captains, longevity does need to improve,” says Ladbrooke. “I’d expect at least three years on 60 metres plus yachts, while slightly less is acceptable on 40-59 metre boats as they are usually stepping stones to larger yachts.”

Ladbrooke adds that whilst every size bracket has great things going for it, more often than not, there is some kind of trade-off required. “This is not always a bad thing, and the fact that the market is moving in the right direction in almost every area, from leave and salary to bonuses and retention, sets a good precedent for the future of the sector.”

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Super yacht captain salary - how much you should be earning.

Being the captain of a luxury vessel can often be very rewarding. Of course, the money you receive is directly parallel to your experience, which enables you to undertake more responsibilities .

Earnings can differ from captain to captain, as the salary is never set in stone. It depends on the size of the yacht, your at-sea experience, your ability to command a crew efficiently, and even the tipping. As such, it is often hard to understand how much money you should be earning, and the numbers tend to differ from source to source (try Googling it!).

Naturally, you might be looking for more concrete indications regarding the salary you should be earning. This is exactly why we wrote this article! Whether it is the “expected salary” question in your job application, or simply personal research for industry averages, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog post, we break down all the factors that determine a super yacht captain salary and help you understand how much you should be earning.

Table of contents

Superyacht captain salary tiers

Calculating the salary of a yacht captain, what is the average yacht captain salary, chartered vs private yacht captain salary, additional benefits for yacht captains.

• Wrapping Up

As the length of your commanding vessel increases, so does the number of tasks and responsibilities. The complexity of your role and requirements vastly escalate as you go bigger, but so does your salary.

In short, a super yacht captain salary is broken down into several tiers, which are divided based on the size of the vessel. Generally speaking, here are the salary guidelines you should be looking at:

Note 1: The salary fluctuation within the tiers indicates the captain’s license level, experience, and longevity.

Note 2: These numbers represent the salary without any additional perks, which we discuss in the following chapters.

Many might think that the income of a captain is very rewarding, especially when comparing the salary with other, high-level niche professions.

However, when calculating a (super) yacht captain salary, you need to take the following into consideration:

• 24/7 onboard. Captains spend all of their time on the vessel. They hold a position of responsibility even when not actually working. The salary should therefore reflect the increased number of work hours.
• Salary taxes. For most yacht captains, one of the biggest benefits of the job is that your income doesn’t get taxed. If, however, you are paying taxes in a particular country (e.g. freelance rental boat captains), income tax applies. This can take a huge bite from your profits.
• The level of experience. Captains are often split into three categories based on their level of experience: Junior captain, captain, and senior master. It is this experience level that both certifies and qualifies them to command larger vessels.

Therefore, you need to ask yourself the following questions before you decide on the salary you should be looking at:

• How much is my time worth, given my 24/7 employment and responsibilities onboard?
• How are my tax obligations structured and how will these affect my salary?
• Based on my experience and time at sea, am I more prone to receive the low or high-end of the salary tier I belong in?

For example, a junior captain that gets the opportunity to command a 25-meter yacht and has no tax obligations could see a €6,000 salary as a great opportunity to earn well, while gaining more experience.

On the contrary, a more experienced captain with additional certifications that needs to pay taxes is more likely to request €10,000 per month for the same job opportunity.

According to YPI CREW salaries , a tool that estimates the industry average salary of yachting-related positions, 446 captains were surveyed to determine the average salary of a captain based on the tiers described above.

Before looking at the findings below, make sure to also review the limitations of the survey, as well as the different variables that were explored.

Highest average salary - The results of the study indicate that permanent contractors that command motor yachts of a length between 81-100m had the highest average salary, which ranks at €18,000 per month. If you’re looking for the high-end, superyacht captain salary, this is it.

‍ Lowest average salary - Junior captains placed at both sailing and motor yachts smaller than 35m in length receive an average salary of €5,500 per month. This amount mostly refers to yacht captain salaries that are not yet qualified for larger vessels.

All other tiers fall somewhere in the middle and the average salary differs based on two factors:

• Whether the captain operates on a chartered vs private vessel
• Whether they hold a permanent position or are in rotation

As you can see, at the higher and lower ends of the spectrum, permanent captains of private vessels tend to earn more, while mid-range categories have a higher degree of fluctuation.

Note: M.Y. Captains refers to Motor Yacht Captains. S.Y. Captains refers to Sailing Yacht Captains.

Source: ypicrew.com

As you can see from the survey conducted by YPI CREWS, one of the variables that determine a captain’s salary is whether the yacht is chartered or privately owned.

When it comes to charter yacht captain salary (rental yachts), and thus temporary employment, there are two categories you need to keep in mind:

• Individual, freelance captains get paid on a day-to-day basis. These types of captains are sought out and hired by yacht owners through middlemen.
• Contract captains that receive a monthly salary. This category refers to seasonal jobs where an agency pays the captain for multiple trips during his employment period.

Private yacht captains are responsible for a single vessel and are paid on a monthly basis, holding a full-time contract.

If you end up working on a charter, you may receive tips or gifts from customers after their trip is concluded. On the contrary, employment on a private boat will generally result in higher basic income but little to no tipping.

You may also notice that private boat captains with a full-time job will have a more “corporate” structure of employment, including recurring free days and paid holidays. Captains of charter boats have more flexibility and freedom when it comes to the employment opportunities they want to take on, but holidays are usually impossible or very limited, and often unpaid.

How much do yacht captains make? You should now have a better idea when it comes to the average salaries depending on the ship’s size. That being said, captains are able to enjoy more perks which translate into money:

• Yacht owners typically cover all onboard expenses, including food, uniforms, laundry, and even several types of insurance if the captain has full-time employment.
• Since captains live onboard, there are also no living expenses that need to be paid. Sure, the captain’s room may not be as spacious and comfortable as a 5-star hotel, but the money you save through this convenience makes it worthwhile.
• As mentioned previously, paid vacation days may also be offered depending on your contract type and the vessel’s schedule. For private yacht captains, it is typical to get 4 to 6 weeks of paid holidays per year and at least 1 free day per week.
• While charters may have less leniency for holidays, captains usually earn around 10-15% of the charter’s price in the form of tipping. If the vessel is larger, so is the crew, which means that the pot is split with them as well.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local tax regulations to see if you can avoid paying taxes on your income. To increase your odds of earning a tax-free salary, it might be a good idea to consult with professional tax advisors specialized in the yachting industry.

Wrapping up

After analyzing the different tiers of the average superyacht captain salary, you should now have a better idea of the category you belong in. The information above enables you to determine the salary you can request, and help you negotiate where needed.

To summarize, here are the numbers you should keep in mind:

• 20-40m boat - €5,000 to €10,000 per month based on experience and certifications;
• 40-60m boat - €7,000 to €16,000 per month based on experience and certifications;
• 60-80m boat - €14,000 per month minimum , based on experience and certifications;
• 80-100m boat - €16,000 per month minimum , based on experience and certifications.

If your job offer happens to pay less than the numbers mentioned above, make sure to also review all the additional perks you receive, as there are often many perks and bonuses “hidden” within your contract. You can then use this information to renegotiate your salary and hopefully agree on better terms.

‍ And that’s it! If you want to further improve your chances of getting paid what you’re worth, make sure to also structure a well-organized yacht captain CV . This will help agencies and yacht owners get a better understanding of your experience and management skills.

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About the Captain

The captain onboard a yacht has a record of longevity, excellent owner references and strong crew management skills. This individual should possess working knowledge of yacht management and safety in addition to financial administration. The captain will excel in planning and communicating various itineraries to the owners and guests onboard in various cruising areas. All their certifications and licenses are fully up-to-date and they are familiar with the latest requirements/newest technologies. This role usually requires at least five years of experience on yachts.

Job Responsibilities

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

Required Skills

• 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

Salary Modifiers

• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Project Management certification or Management degree
• Limited experience in intended cruising area
• Lack of experience on a similar size vessel

Position Statistics

Career path, senior master, junior captain, first officer / chief mate, officer of the watch, junior deckhand.

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Major Microsoft and Crowdstrike disruptions ground planes, banks, McDonald’s stores and the London Stock Exchange

Computer systems at businesses and public services around the globe were disrupted after a botched update of a widely used cybersecurity program took down Microsoft Corp. systems. 

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer George Kurtz  posted  on X on Friday that the fault had been identified and “a fix has been deployed,” adding that it wasn’t a cyberattack. Compounding the issue, Microsoft also reported an apparently unrelated problem with its Azure cloud service. 

Hitting airlines, banks and healthcare systems, there have been few outages of this scale. The cascading failures underscore vulnerabilities of the modern economy and the central role of security software, which has deep access to operating systems.

“This is unprecedented,” Alan Woodward , professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University, told Bloomberg News. “The economic impact is going to be huge.”

CrowdStrike is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts. Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We… — George Kurtz (@George_Kurtz) July 19, 2024

The scale of the disruption reflects the enduring ubiquity of Microsoft’s Windows, and the sizeable adoption of CrowdStrike’s security software. Windows is installed on more than 70% of machines,  according  to StatCounter, and CrowdStrike is the global leader in modern corporate protection software, according to  estimates  by research firm IDC.

Although its software is designed to thwart threats, CrowdStrike customers posted blue error screens to social media as they were prevented from accessing laptops and corporate computers. 

McDonald’s Corp., United Airlines Holdings Inc., and the LSE Group were among the major companies to disclose issues from communications to customer service. Airports from Singapore to Zurich were impacted. The New York subway said arrival information is unavailable for most of its lines, but services are operating. Bloomberg terminals were operating as normal.

Microsoft said it was “aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform.” The company said it  fixed  a separate glitch affecting Microsoft 365 apps. 

The outages weighed on several sectors, including airlines, insurers and stock exchange operators. Shares in CrowdStrike sank 20%, while Microsoft fell 2.9%.

Past disruptions have been less severe. In 2017, a series of errors within Amazon .com Inc.’s cloud service  affected  the operation of tens of thousands of websites. In 2021,  issues at content delivery network  Fastly took out several media networks including Bloomberg News and there were separate disruptions at  Amazon’s AWS cloud service .

“I don’t think it’s too early to call it: this will be the largest IT outage in history,” Troy Hunt, an Australian security consultant and creator of the hack-checking website Have I Been Pwned, said in a  post  on social media platform X.

The first glitches emerged in the US late on Thursday and were blamed on the failure of Microsoft services Azure and 365, the company’s internet-based office software suite. 

Problems linked to CrowdStrike then surfaced hours later in Asia and rippled across systems in Europe. As the US commute got underway, the New York subway said arrival information was unavailable but trains and buses were still running.

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Whether you’re a superyacht Captain wishing to move to a shore-based role, or a yacht management/construction firm in need of a seasoned Build Captain, Project Manager, Yacht or Fleet Manager, our industry experts are poised to assist.

Our recruitment spans the full marine sector, from shipyard Engineers and Marina Managers to executive roles within top industry suppliers, ensuring a broad spectrum of opportunities.

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Having worked in the luxury services sector for over a decade, we know what it takes to provide an exemplary personal service to ultra high net worth individuals and their families.

As a natural extension of our relationship with superyacht owners and reps, we regularly source private household, estate, island and asset staff for individuals all over the world.

We work directly with clients or their chosen representatives to find experienced professionals that are both a skill-fit and cultural match, including Estate and House Managers, Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Private Chefs, Heads of Service and Housekeeping, Butlers and many more.

Roles we recruit for: We place yachting professionals in sought-after positions with the world’s leading management companies, yacht builders and sales brokerages and experienced personal staff in private residences globally.

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