The full salary table
Figures represent base monthly salary ranges for 2026. The wide ranges reflect vessel size — a deckhand on a 30m yacht earns considerably less than one on a 70m superyacht.
| Position | Monthly base (USD) | Vessel size influence |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | $7,000 – $25,000+ | Strong — size and flag state matter |
| Chief Officer / First Mate | $5,000 – $12,000 | Strong |
| Chief Engineer | $5,500 – $14,000 | Strong — complexity of systems |
| Second Engineer / ETO | $4,000 – $8,000 | Moderate |
| Chief Stewardess / Chief Stew | $4,500 – $8,500 | Moderate — interior dept size |
| Bosun | $3,800 – $7,000 | Moderate |
| Yacht Chef / Cook | $4,000 – $9,000 | Significant — charter frequency |
| Second Stewardess / Stew | $3,000 – $5,500 | Low–Moderate |
| Deckhand | $2,800 – $5,000 | Low–Moderate |
| Junior Stewardess | $2,500 – $4,000 | Low |
| Junior Deckhand | $2,400 – $3,800 | Low |
How tips work
On charter yachts, guests tip at the end of each charter. Industry standard is 10–15% of the charter fee, split among the crew. On a high-season charter running at $50,000/week, that's $5,000–$7,500 split across the crew — which is significant on top of a base salary.
The captain typically holds the tip pool and distributes it according to role and contribution. The split varies by vessel but a common formula gives department heads (chief stew, chief officer, chef) larger shares than junior crew.
On private (non-charter) yachts, tips are less predictable. Some owners tip generously and consistently; others don't. This is worth asking about before you accept a contract — it can make a meaningful difference to your annual income.
What affects your salary?
Vessel size
The single biggest factor. Yachts under 30m typically pay at the lower end of ranges; vessels over 60m pay at the top. The correlation is consistent across all departments.
Flag state and coding
Commercially coded yachts (those that charter) typically pay more than private yachts of the same size, partly because of tip income and partly because professional standards and crew certifications are more strictly enforced, pushing salaries up.
Season and location
Caribbean charter season (November–April) and Mediterranean high season (June–September) are when charter income — and therefore tip potential — is highest. Crew on busy charter programmes can earn significantly more in a 6-month season than their base monthly salary suggests.
Your qualifications
Each additional qualification — an RYA Yachtmaster, a PADI instructor rating, a silver service certificate — gives you leverage to negotiate. Captains hire crew they trust, but qualifications are a shortcut to that trust, especially early in your career.
Salary by position
We've broken out detailed guides for each position. These cover career progression, what qualifications you need to get there, and realistic salary expectations at each stage:
⚓ Captain Salary
$7,000 – $25,000/month. The route to the bridge and what it realistically takes to get there.
Read🥂 Chief Stewardess Salary
$4,500 – $8,500/month. The most in-demand role in the interior department.
Read👨🍳 Yacht Chef Salary
$4,000 – $9,000/month. Why chefs can command some of the highest rates on board.
Read🚤 Deckhand Salary
$2,800 – $5,000/month. The entry point for most crew, and how to move up fast.
Read🔧 Yacht Engineer Salary
$5,500 – $14,000/month. Technical skills command serious money at sea.
Read⛵ Bosun Salary
$3,800 – $7,000/month. The deck department's cornerstone role explained.
Read