chief officer yacht salary

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]

A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

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Yacht crew positions : Hierarchy, Missions & Salaries explained

Like any well-run hotel, restaurant, or other luxury service, a crewed yacht needs organized structure and good management. Whether you’re staffing your own luxury vessel or looking for an exciting career working and traveling the world, you need to know how this structure works, and what you can expect to pay or earn and do in the various roles on board.

Every yacht is a little different, and organization may reflect the style of the captain or the demands of the owner. But the same jobs need to be done on almost every boat. Organized with ranks, heads of each division report to the Captain. It’s not a military-style organization, but there are parallels with merchant marine grades and structures.

Smaller yachts need fewer crew, and staff may wear multiple hats that cross more traditional divisions and may combine some jobs with others. Large yachts have more distinct divisions or subdivisions, with more specialization to divide tasks and manage staffing. The core skills are the same, but finding staff with the right blends to do the jobs is key. Crew with broader skills are highly sought after.

As a yacht owner, you shouldn’t have to worry about day-to-day management decisions or organizing all this. That’s why you have a captain, and it’s better to leave staffing decisions entirely up to him or her. But it’s still important to know what it is people you’re hiring do, why they’re there, and how many you need. You don’t want too many crew, or to be short-handed. An understanding of what your yacht needs helps you talk to the captain to keep your yacht running how you want it.

For those looking to break into yacht crew work, consider your skills and strengths, and what jobs appeal to you. You’ll need training before you work, and you can direct your job path through the training you seek. Your goal is a suitable position on a well-run yacht, so make yourself the most attractive candidate possible.

Yacht Work Life

Working on a yacht is also living on the yacht. Crew must have a space to sleep, food, and all the basics that any employee needs. Large yachts have space reserved for crew, and owners looking for quality crew should provide good working and living conditions. Your crew takes care of you, and you should take care of them.

Depending on where a yacht operates or what flag she flies, a variety of labor laws or rules may be in effect. These requirements may be for work visas, contracts and written agreements, and compliance with merchant and ship crew treaties and laws. Be prepared to have work and non-disclosure agreements between yacht and crew, though a few yachts skip this.

Seasonal Jobs

Many yacht positions are seasonal. Year-round employment is more likely for senior crew like the captain and department heads, but not all yachts see year-round use. And some yachts may use different crew in different locales between seasonal moves.

Any job listing should give seasonal information, with geographic information, the length of the season, and the prospects for year-round positions and repeat employment.

Hours, Salaries, and Expectations

Yacht crew is a service job at its core, and every yacht owner is looking for service-oriented people who understand how to deliver a hotel-quality living and restaurant-quality fine dining. Work experience in luxury hotels and restaurants is a big plus for some jobs, and makes breaking into yacht work easier.

Yacht work can be very demanding, with periods of intense work when the owner and guests or a charter party is on board. Long days aren’t uncommon, but often balance with slack time when the boat is empty of passengers. There is always work to be done, but there’s usually a chance for time off.

Most salaries are monthly, since many positions are seasonal. Pay ranges are commensurate with experience, rank, and responsibility. Private vessels usually offer higher base pay, as charter crew can earn tips on top of their base salary. Because of the demands of the lifestyle, compensation is good and you have minimal living expenses on board.

Benefits and Time Off

Because so many jobs are seasonal and may occur in different countries and locations, benefits offered to yacht crew vary widely. But it is not uncommon for crew to be offered health and accident insurance and a flight to the vessel. Living on board, you’ll get food, rooming (usually shared), basic toiletries, uniforms, and laundry. Yachts with a longer view may offer additional training to long-term prospects.

Time off is usually linked to boat use, and may be sporadic in-season or when the boat has the owner and guests on board. There will always be some time off, but it may be between very intense work periods.

Most crew jobs have an employment contract that meets the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). This should spell out the contract period and duration, as well as salary, leave and time off, probationary periods, repatriation policies, and any other crucial details to meet the minimum international standards of crew welfare.

This contract should also contain shipboard policies on confidentiality and non-disclosures, drug and alcohol use on board, personal hygiene expectations, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution. Job expectations and requirements can also be included, with specific language about roles, tasks, and cooperation between divisions.

Note that all crew agreements will explicitly prohibit drug use on board, most limit alcohol consumption and ban hard liquor on board, and many boats have policies prohibiting intimate personal crew relationships. Because the crew is living on board full time and in close quarters, rules to maintain decorum and crew harmony may be in writing.

Training & Certificates

Two key certifications are required for yacht crew. Employers look for the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers) and the ENG1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate). Insurers generally require crew to have these two certifications or the equivalent.

The ENG1 isn’t a class. It’s a medical exam to ensure that the crew is physically fit to serve at sea and has no underlying conditions that may arise far from help. It’s best for prospective crew to secure the ENG1 before investing more time and money training.

STCW is a week-long class on the basics of onboard safety. This includes hands-on modules covering personal survival, fire safety, first aid and CPR, accident prevention, and security awareness. It needs to be refreshed every five years.

Shared, Hybrid, and Crossover Jobs

Larger vessels will have more defined duties and specific areas of responsibility. But smaller yachts may want the crew to have different roles in different situations. For example, a hybrid job description may read “3rd Engineer/Steward” and describe a role in engineering when the boat is empty but on inside crew when passengers are on board.

When hiring or seeking jobs be prepared to look for creative crossover skill sets to meet the needs of the vessel.

Extra Skills and Duties

Any extra skills outside the regular duties makes crew more attractive. From stewards who can teach yoga, give massages or play cocktail piano to deck crew who know how to water ski, SCUBA dive, or fish, anything that crew can bring to enhance the passenger experience adds value to the employee.

If you’re looking for a position, list the skills you’d be comfortable using. If a vessel owner is looking for something specific, spell it out and figure out how that special duty fits into the employee work day.

The Four Main Divisions

Most yacht crews break into four primary divisions which group related tasks and responsibilities together. While the grouping sounds like it’s by section of the boat, they’re really more functional. For example, stewards (Interior) will definitely serve meals, whether they’re in the main dining room or out on deck. Deckhands (deck) are going to be involved in painting, sanding, and varnish jobs anywhere on the boat.

The deck crew handles most of the exterior operations of the yacht, and runs it. Deck hands and crew keep the boat looking clean and shiny, and handling most vessel operations. This includes driving and operating the yacht, navigation, running all launches and ship’s craft, handling lines, and all maintenance and painting, washing, and shining.

2-Interior (or Inside)

Inside crew are primarily the stewards and housekeepers. Larger vessels will have a dedicated housekeeping staff separate from the stewards, but smaller vessels may not.

Stewards keep the interior clean, do all housekeeping, laundry, food and beverage service, cabin preparation, and anything else needed for the comfort of the passengers.

3-Engineering

Below decks, the engineering department ensures the safe and smooth running of all the ship’s machinery and electronics. Engineers are engine and systems specialists, and there will usually be a dedicated electronics expert. Most engineer jobs require professional training and certification.

Fine dining is a hallmark of the yachting experience, and a full-time galley crew prepares all meals for passengers and crew. The head chef plans the menus and provisions the boat, while junior chefs assist the head chef with meal preparation and keeping the galley spotless.

Yacht Job and Department Details

Departments are all organized in a hierarchy, with a department head reporting to the Captain. The clear chain of command makes for smooth operations, with all communications going up and down ranks. Junior staff will occasionally take instructions from other divisions as all crew is expected to help as needed. A captain or department head may organize staff differently, so reporting structures listed are guidelines only.

All salary ranges are monthly figures and are ranges based on yacht size and crew experience. Senior jobs on larger yachts have more responsibility than the same job title on yachts with smaller crews. Experienced crew are very desirable and can expect more pay for their positions.

Listed responsibilities are not exhaustive, and different yachts may allocate some jobs to different positions.

Read also: The yacht charter experience ladder

The Captain

The captain of the vessel is the overall decision maker for the yacht in all situations, including the safety of the vessel. The owner should leave the Captain responsible for operational decisions about hiring and staff and operating the ship. To become a captain requires years of experience and training, and a broad set of skills including yacht operations, personnel management, budgeting and finance. The captain works directly with the owner and owner’s representative, if the captain is not also acting as the representative.

On an organization chart, the Captain is usually placed in the deck division, but the Captain is always the senior-most crew on the yacht and all division heads report to the Captain.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for all navigation and running the yacht.
• Senior decision maker on all crew hiring.
• Manage repairs, refits, and yard work.
• Manage budgets and accounting. On larger yachts, this task ends more on the Purser, but the captain is always responsible.
• Ensure all paperwork, clearances, and legal requirements are completed.
• Primary contact with the owner or charter parties.

Reports to: The yacht owner

Salary Range: $6,000 to $22,000

The deckhands handle all the outside responsibilities of the ship, including cleaning and maintenance of the yacht and all the ship’s vessels and toys on board. Deck crew will have significant contact with passengers in this role, operating launches and delivering guests to and from shore and handling the toys.

All deck crew have watch responsibilities on passage, and daily responsibilities keeping the yacht pristine and clean. They will also do line handling and secure the yacht.

Deck department : Chief Mate/First Officer

The Chief Mate or First Officer is the second in command of the vessel, and left in charge when the Captain is not on board. The first mate has the requisite skills to stand in for the captain and run the yacht if needed and usually acts as the division head of the deck team.

The seamanship skills needed are similar to the Captain’s position.

• Primary safety officer for the yacht and all passengers and crew.
• Supervise and manage all operations on deck.
• Bridge watches on passage.
• Passage planning and navigation.

There may be additional mates on larger vessels, these 2nd, 3rd, etc. mates have similar responsibilities on rotation. But the first mate is senior and always second in command.

Reports to: Captain

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,500 (First mate)

Second and more junior mates may earn $2,000 to $4,000

Deck department : Bosun

The Bosun is the senior deckhand and manages the junior hands on board. This will usually be the most experienced hand on board.

• Organizing all operations on deck.
• Coordinating the use, storing and launching of the ship’s boats, toys, and equipment.
• Managing the passerelle, watching passenger safety.
• Contact point for guest service on boats, toys, and trips to shore.

Reports to: First mate

Salary Range: $3,000 to $5,000

Deck department : Deckhands

Deckhands are constantly busy with maintenance, cleaning, polishing, and assisting guests as needed. They will assist other departments as needed or given special duties.

• Daily cleaning of the yacht’s exterior.
• Painting, varnishing, polishing.
• Line handling.
• Launching and operating dinghies and tenders.
• Repairs and carpentry.
• Helping guests as needed – everything from handling baggage and gear to embarking and disembarking.

Reports to: Bosun

Salary range: $1,300 to $3,000

Though every position on a yacht is service-oriented, the interior or inside crew provides the primary customer service. They will interact the most with the passengers daily, and they’re directly responsible for the quality of their experience on board.

Interior department : the Purser

The purser is the chief financial officer of the yacht and handles all the financial operations on board. Accounting, purchasing, payroll and hiring, and all money matters end up with the Purser. This is a senior staff position, and may be the interior department head. Smaller yachts may eliminate the purser’s job and add it to the captain’s and other senior staff duties.

Responsibilities Include:

• Accounting and bookkeeping for all financial transactions.
• Human resources and payroll.
• Handling logistics for all departments related to purchasing.
• Managing contracts.
• Event coordination, including off yacht bookings and payments.
• Primary administration of the boat’s business paperwork.
• Inventory and supply management.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,000

Interior department : The Chief Steward/ess

The chief steward or stewardess has primary responsibility for all service roles inside. Food and drink service, cabin preparation, and anything to do with helping the passengers be more comfortable and enjoy their stay. The chief steward will be inside crew with several years of experience.

The chief steward manages the interior staff, setting and enforcing vessel service standards. The chief steward ensures the crew delivers a five-star hospitality experience.

Chief Steward Responsibilities:

• Scheduling and training junior crew for meal and drink service and cabin preparation.
• Primary contact with guests for meals and drinks.
• Sommelier and wine service.
• Coordinate with the galley for meals and presentation.
• Decorate the interior, from flower arrangement to table settings.
• Arrange onshore activities and outings.

Reports to: Captain or Purser, depending on the yacht

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,500

Stewards/Stewardesses

The stewards and stewardesses are the primary guest service staff. They will work closely with guests and passengers, and have daily contact with them as they meet most of their needs while on board.

Steward Responsibilities:

• Food and drink service.
• Room preparation and turndown service.
• Cleaning, polishing, housekeeping, and inside maintenance.
• Cabin detailing.
• Laundry, pressing, and folding.
• Help with outings, trips, debarkations.

Reports to: Chief Steward

Salary Range: $1,500 to $4,500

Housekeeping

Larger yachts may have a dedicated housekeeping and laundry staff. This will be part of the inside crew, under either the purser or the head steward. There may be a senior housekeeper, if there are more than one housekeeping crew on board.

Responsibilities are the cleaning and laundry portions of the steward’s job, and a laundry steward may spend most of her time inside the ship’s laundry.

An experienced Head of Housekeeping may earn from $4,500 to $7,000, while a Laundry Steward typically earns from $2,500 to $3,500.

Read also: CAN OWNING A YACHT TO CHARTER (REALLY) BE PROFITABLE?

Food service requirements on any yacht are high. Whether it’s a privately owned vessel or a charter, the expectations are always for top tier food service, with a variety of meals planned for the requirements of every passenger. Chefs and cooks prepare all meals on board for passengers and crew, but sometimes other interior crew may help with prep work or cleanup.

Smaller yachts have smaller galley crews, but the largest vessels may have an executive chef and several sous chefs. All chef positions require formal culinary training and experience, but cook positions are often entry level. Promotion from cook to chef is unusual without additional training.

Galley department : the Head / Executive Chef

On larger yachts, an Executive Chef will run the entire galley with the help of sous chefs and cooks. With an Executive Chef, there’s an expectation that the food and menus will be on a level with Michelin star-rated restaurants.

The executive chef brings a thorough understanding of food preparation and presentation, and moves food preparation past creative up to artistic. Job responsibilities are similar to a chef, but the job demands and the required experience and education are much higher.

Salary range: $7,000 to $11,000

The chef has overall responsibility for all meals on the yacht, from provisioning in remote places to hygiene and good safety. If there’s only one chef, she’s the head of the galley crew. Finding the best provisions in far away locations and making the best of local food availability is a major part of the job.

• Planning a delicious and varied menu for passengers.
• Sourcing all food and arranging transport to the yacht.
• Maintaining and operating within the galley budget.
• Preparing passenger meals with professional presentation and style.
• Cleaning and maintaining galley and galley equipment.
• Deliver menus and meals on time, while running an organized and spotless galley.

Galley department : Sous Chef

The sous chefs assist the chef in all aspects of running the galley, and may have independent assignments to plan and guest and crew meals. While not primarily responsible for provisioning, the sous chef will help with food selection, menu preparation, and planning. A sous chef must have formal culinary training.

Reports to: Head chef

Salary Range: $3,500 – $6,000.

Galley department : The Cook

Cooks may be entry-level positions or experienced, but do not require formal gastronomy education. They will assist the chef and sous chefs, cooking meals and dishes for guests and crew, helping with provisioning, and keeping the galley neat.

• Assist with provisioning and buying high-quality food from local sources.
• Follow all food handling and safety guidelines.
• Assist the head chef as needed, taking direction and guidance.
• Prepare guest and crew meals as required.
• Staying on top of galley inventories and supplies.

Salary Range: $2,500 to $3,500

Engineering

The engineering department keeps the yacht and all its systems working. Whether it’s the engines, electronics, air conditioning, or the plumbing – it’s up to engineering to keep it running.

There is considerable overlap with commercial shipping in the engineering field, as many of the same skills apply. And there is a broader range of qualifications and grades based on the size and power of the vessel. Job ratings may be set by required experience based on tonnage of ship or power of engines, with corresponding levels of pay and responsibility.

Unlike commercial shipping, engineers may get involved in other aspects of running the yacht, like helping with docking and water sports with mechanical toys.

Engineering certifications, training, ratings, experience and licensing are critical to hiring competent engineers, and for engineering crew it’s an important facet of career advancement. This is important for Chief and 2nd Engineers, which are often broken out by MCA (U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency) rating or other international equivalent.

MCA ratings for engineers Commercial and Private Yachts over 24m are:

Y4: Less than 200 Gross Tons and less than 1,500 kW engine power Y3: Less than 500 GT and 3,000 kW Y2: Less than 3,000 GT and 3,000 kW Y1: Less than 3,000 GT and 9,000 kW

There is also an unlimited rating for merchant vessels larger than the Y1 category. For discussing salary and responsibilities, we will include all ratings in one position description, but pay scales with the size of the yacht and any required higher ratings.

Chief Engineer

The chief engineer manages all aspects of keeping the yacht and its systems running. The chief engineer manages all the engineering staff, and directs all maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting and upgrades. This is a management position, but requires extensive hands-on technical experience and knowledge. Chief engineers on large yachts hold an MCA Y1 or Y2, smaller boats will have a lower rated chief and a smaller staff. Check  Jooble.org  to find abroad marine engineer vacancies.

• Provisioning, shopping, and stocking.
• Preparing passenger and crew meals.
• Following instructions and cooking under the direction of others.
• Galley cleaning.
• Follow food safety and storage procedures.
• Food pre-preparation.

Salary Range: $6,000 to $15,000

2nd Engineer

The second engineer is also a highly skilled position requiring a rating or license and several years of experience. This senior level engineer also needs knowledge of how to troubleshoot and maintain all yacht systems.

• Maintain and manage all engineering operations.
• Hire, train and supervise all engineers.
• Project manage all upgrades and retrofits, including managing budgets, contracts, and suppliers.
• Coordinate maintenance schedule for the entire yacht around the usage and seasonal schedules.
• Maintain costs and accounting for engineering operations.
• Design and handle all safety operations.
• Set and maintain standards for operations and cleanliness in the engine room.

Reports to: Chief engineer

Salary Range: $5,500 – $10,000

OOW (Officer of the Watch) Engineer

The OOW is a junior engineering position, but still licensed. There are two categories of OOW – MEOL (Marine Engine Operator License) and the more junior AEC (Assistant Engine Course). The overall responsibilities are similar, working to support the senior engineers and handle independent assignments. The AEC rating is entry level for licensed crew, but has training and certification.

• Support the chief in all projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe engine room.
• Perform all maintenance, troubleshooting and repair tasks as needed.
• Support motorized water sports.
• Occasionally assist with other vessel operations, like line handling.

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Salary Range, MEOL: $4,500 to $6,000 Salary Range, AEC: $2,500 to $3,500

Electronics/Technology Officer (ETO)

The ETO takes responsibility for all audio-visual and information technology on board. Ensuring passengers have access to the internet, movies, television, and music is a primary responsibility. This position carries a fair amount of passenger interaction, and an ETO needs good troubleshooting skills to go with customer service skills.

• Ensure all audio/visual and entertainment systems are always available for passengers.
• Assist passengers with personal technology and ship systems as needed.
• Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades of the network, information, and A/V systems around passenger schedules.
• Assist other engineers as needed, especially with electronic systems.
• Contribute as needed with other departments for boat and passenger operations.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,000

Junior Engineer

This is a lower or entry level position for someone with engineering skills but without formal licensing or certification. The junior engineer will help with safety and cleanliness, and assist in any engineering tasks as needed. The ability to solve problems and fix things opens this spot for anyone capable and willing to do the job.

• Help with cleaning, maintenance, and safety functions.
• Help anywhere needed on the yacht.
• Assist senior engineers as needed, taking direction and following instructions exactly.
• Constantly develop skills.

Read also: IS BUYING A BOAT A BAD IDEA?

Whether you are a yacht owner or considering entering this dynamic industry with an established and reliable crew, it is essential to have an understanding of the yacht’s hierarchical structure, mission priorities, and salary expectations. By doing your research on the complexity of yachting before hiring your team, you can confidently select the right group of experienced and qualified professionals for your needs. Staying up-to-date on top industry trends and knowing the capabilities of each type of yacht crew position will enable you to make sound decisions that support a safe and cost-effective journey. With quality personnel at your helm, you can cruise unhindered in luxury and explore new destinations with peace of mind.

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Captains Clients Superyacht Industry Insights

Superyacht Captain salary survey 2023 18 December 2023

captain salary survey crew salary survey superyacht captain superyacht salaries yacht captain

In our biggest salary survey yet, we have uncovered detailed insights into Superyacht Captain salary and leave packages.

Almost 300 Captains responded across a range of yacht sizes from sub-30m to 100m+. In addition to average pay and leave, pay rise and bonus activity, the 20+ page report also compares Captain and Chief Officer experience, ticket level, longevity onboard and comparisons to our 2020 and 2022 survey findings.

Some top-level statistics are:

• Every yacht bracket has seen a salary rise since 2020 and 2022.
• Full rotation is also increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50m yachts, with an 11% decline overall in Captains with less than 59 days leave.
• Two-fifths 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 commonplace.
• 70% of Captains have Master 3000.
• Exactly half of the Captains who responded have more than 10 years’ experience in the role and 32% were Chief Officers for 3 to 5 years prior.
• A third have been Captains on their current yacht for more than 3 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 with rotational roles, as well as explores any correlation between experience and type of ticket.

Simon Ladbrooke, Captain Consultant at Quay Crew, commented:

“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.

“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 <39m yachts 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.

“Yet, almost three-quarters say it took them less than 6 months to get their first Captain role. This could be, along with the extensive CO experience demonstrated in this survey, 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.”

All HOD salary surveys are available on our client portal, which you can request access to here.

About the author

Simon Ladbrooke

Compassion at christmas: the yachting edition, interview questions to ask as a captain candidate.

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Quay Crew Chief Officer Salary Survey Results

Quay Crew surveyed over 100 chief officers to get an updated look at the current salary, leave, and bonus packages offered across the superyacht industry. Quay Crew is a superyacht recruitment agency placing crew and yachting professionals globally and is based in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

Newly appointed and highly experienced chief officers on board yachts ranging from 40 meters to 100+ meters were surveyed. The average age of when the respondents first became chief officers was 29.9 years, while the majority hold a Chief Mate 3000 license. Quay Crew found that the surveyed chief officers on board private yachts are receiving an average monthly salary of €8,860, while private/charter chief officers are receiving €7,960.  

Almost 73% of the chief officers receive time for time leave, and the time for time rotation steadily increases as chief officers step up in yacht size. Salaries also regularly increase with yacht size, but there is an indication that chief officers are sacrificing higher pay in return for some rotation. Quay Crew’s survey found no notable differences between the number of full-time and rotational roles on exclusively private and private/charter yachts, suggesting it is related to size.  

Quay Crew’s findings show 84% of chief officers have received some form of a pay raise, but only 16% are guaranteed an annual increase as part of their contract. The survey suggests that chief officers are two thirds more likely to receive a contractual annual pay rise on board a private yacht compared to those that charter as well. The survey found that 34% of the responding chief officers have spent over five years in their position without becoming a 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,” wrote Tim Clarke, director of Quay Crew. “Skipping jobs to earn a couple of hundred Euros more may not benefit your career in the long term.”

Quay Crew Disclaimer: 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 and readers should keep this in mind when comparing their own package.

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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

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.

Yacht Crew Salary Guide

To accompany the launch of our new Jobs Board, below is a brief description of the role of each crewmember, with average salaries listed. 

Please be aware that both roles and salaries vary from boat to boat and this should not be considered an official job guide.

A captain is legally in charge of their vessel. They are responsible for the safety of the passengers, the crew, the environment on board and the vessel. They are also in charge of personnel management, navigation, rules and regulations compliance and accounting. They have to be licensed depending on their nationality and the registration, weight and program of the vessel.

A captain must have considerable maritime experience and training, excellent navigational skills, superior leadership, communication, management and diplomacy skills.  A captain of a superyacht must have excellent nautical knowledge, maintenance, engineering and technical practice, as well as experience with accounting, IT and administrative paperwork. A captain must have a calm and charismatic personality and be highly skilled at dealing with people, both crew and owners/guests.

Average salary (per month):

< 60ft (18m) à 2,200€ - 3,700€

60ft < 75ft (23m) à 3,000€ - 5,200€

75ft < 100ft (33m) à 3,700€ - 5,200€

100ft < 125ft (38m) à 6,000€ - 8,200€

125ft < 160ft (48m) à 6,000€ - 10,000€

160ft < 200ft (60m) à 6,700€ - 10,000€

200ft (60m) > à 7,400€ +

CHIEF OFFICER/FIRST MATE

Every superyacht tends to have a Chief Officer but larger yachts may also have a Second Officer. Job requirements are similar but will vary slightly depending on the vessel.

The Chief Officer assists the Captain with administrative and safety duties, crew management, maintenance and deck equipment, navigation and finances. The First Officer arranges safety drills, sets watch schedules and prepares the yacht for sea. The Second Officer acts as an aid and an understudy to the First Officer.

The Chief Officer/First Mate must be able to stand in for the Captain in his absence, have strong communication and organizational skills, and have excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices. The Chief Officer must be someone with a firm knowledge of working on deck through previous Deckhand or Bosun experience.

60ft < 75ft (23m) à 2,200€ - 3,000€

75ft < 100ft (33m) à 2,600€ - 4,100€

100ft < 125ft (38m) à 3,000€ - 4,500€

125ft < 160ft (48m) à 3,400€ - 4,800€

160ft < 200ft (60m) à 4,100€ - 5,200€

200ft (60m) > à 4,800€ +

The Bosun is responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of a yacht and is in charge of the Deckhands. They are in charge of deck operations, which include storage, use and maintenance of tenders and toys, equipment and deck supplies. They will most likely be the main tender driver.

The Bosun must be an experienced deckhand, with knowledge of all equipment on board, maintenance skills (painting, varnishing) and basic engineering abilities. The Bosun will most likely spend a lot of time with guests and owners when on board and therefore must be polite, enthusiastic and have a keen eye for detail and service.

Average salary (per month): 100ft (33m) – 250ft (76m) à 2,200€ - 3,300€

The deckhand’s job is to assist in the maintenance, cleanliness and manoeuvring of the boat and tenders, and to help other crew wherever needed- whether in the interior, galley or engine room.

A deckhand must have a hard work ethic, the ability to learn on the job, be presentable and well-mannered, and excel at teamwork.

Average salary (per month): 60ft < 75ft (23m) à 1,500€ - 2,200€

75ft < 100ft (33m) à 1,500€ - 2,500€

100ft < 125ft (38m) à 1,800€ - 2,500€

125ft < 160ft (48m) à 1,800€ - 2,500€

160ft < 200ft (60m) à 1,800€ - 2,500€

200ft (60m) > à 1,800€ +

Engineering

Chief engineer.

The Chief Engineer is in charge of the engineering department of a vessel and is responsible for its safe and proper functioning. They manage and train the other Engineers, ETOs (Electronic Technical Officers) and oversee contractors, and reports directly to the Captain. The Chief Engineer looks over the engine room operations, supervises engine repairs and carries out engineering inventories.

The Chief Engineer must have expert technical and trouble shooting experience, advanced knowledge of engineering on board (engines, fuel, generators, water makers, air conditioning, electrical, refrigeration, AV systems and computers), be able to preventive malfunctions and multitask, and have knowledge of contractors.

120ft (37m) – 180ft (55m) à 3,700€ - 6,700€ +

180ft (55m) – 250ft (76m) à 5,500€ - 10,400€ +

The Electronics Technical Officer is found on larger yachts; where there is no ETO the Chief Engineer assumes these responsibilities.

The ETO is responsible for daily maintenance of all electronic, computer and communications equipment on board and prevents malfunctions.

An ETO must have prior experience with IT and audio/visual equipment, be flexible and to assist in teamwork such as line and fender handling and water sports.

160ft (49m) – 300ft (92m) à 2,200€ - 3,300€ +

JUNIOR ENGINEER

Many Chief Engineers may have started out as Junior Engineers. Their tasks include ensuring the constant safety of the engine room through cleaning and maintenance. This way they are able to increase their knowledge of all systems on board.

Junior Engineers are hard working, have the ability to learn through observation on the job, are able to multitask and help in any area of the yacht when needed.

On larger yachts there will often be First, Second and Third Engineers acting under the orders of the Chief Engineer. Duties will vary from one boat to another.

160ft (49m) – 300ft (92m) à 2,200€ - 3,700€ +

Note: A purser tends to be found on larger yachts; where no purser is required, some of the following duties are covered by the Chief Stewardess.

The purser is responsible for all operations in the interior department. That includes inventory, purchasing and provisioning, accounting for the entire yacht, organising guest activities and assisting the Captain with ship’s paperwork.

A purser must have experience as a Chief Steward/ess, financial and computer skills, as well as superior communications, organization and delegation abilities. They must also have an excellent knowledge of service and housekeeping skills, and well as familiarity with restaurants and attractions in cruising areas.

160ft (48m) – 250ft (76m) + à 3,700€ - 6,000€

CHIEF STEWARD/ESS

The Chief Steward/ess is in charge of supervising the interior management of the boat, and training  interior crew. She or he is responsible for the budgeting and planning of the interior, all with the aim of creating the best possible service for the owners/guests.

Guest-oriented tasks include food and drink service, overseeing cleaning, cabin preparation, and arranging transport and trips for guests or owners.

The chief steward/ess is also responsible for the crew communal areas, as well as making sure the crew are looked after in regards to uniform, toiletries, drinks and snacks.  

The Chief Steward/ess will have previously worked as a Steward/ess and acquired a strong background in food and drink and hospitality and is capable of assisting with lines and fenders on deck. They must have impeccable attention to detail, the ability to think ahead and to remain professional and unobtrusive when serving guests in a luxury, high-quality manner.

100ft (33m) - 140ft (43m) à 2,200€ - 3,000€ +

140ft – 250ft (76m) à 3,000€ - 5,200€ +

STEWARD/ESS

A Steward/ess is responsible for the hospitality and housekeeping of the interior of the boat, and for the service to the owners and guests. Tasks include cleaning, table setting, silver service, bartending, flower arranging, inventory and planning. They may be asked to assist the chef or cook for the crew, help out on deck and watch keep when necessary.

Other Steward/ess positions include Second Steward/ess, Service Steward/ess, Housekeeping Steward/ess and Laundry Steward/ess. Duties will vary from one boat to another.

Average salary (per month): Note:Salaries vary depending on whether you are a First, Second or Chief Steward/ess.

60ft < 75ft (23m) à 1,500€ - 2,600€

75ft < 100ft (33m) à 1,800€ - 3,000€

100ft < 125ft (38m) à 1,500€ - 3,300€

125ft < 160ft (48m) à 1,800€ - 3,300€

160ft < 200ft (60m) à 1,800€ - 3,700€

The chef’s role is an extremely important one because guests and owners will always remember the food they had, regardless of the size of the yacht.

It is a very challenging position and a chef’s typical work day is extremely long. They are in charge of planning meals and purchasing ingredients (which might entail changing languages and currencies), preparing food and cleaning up to ensure the galley is kept in pristine condition. Depending on the size of the yacht, the Chef might work solo or there might also be a Sous Chef, Second Chef or Crew Cook.

Most Chefs will have previous experience of working as a Chef or Sous Chef in hotels, restaurants or other yachts. They must have a vast knowledge of produce, diets, allergies and food safety and storage, and the ability to provision to a budget in obscure parts of the world. All the while they must keep a positive attitude, have excellent time management, strong communication skills and the ability to overcome seasickness.

Average salary (per month): 100ft (33m) – 160ft (48m) à 3,700€ - 5,200€ +

150ft (46m) – 250ft (76m) à 3,7000€ - 7,400€ +

On larger yachts, it is common to have a Crew Chef who is in charge of preparing meals for the crewmembers. They might also act at Sous Chefs or simply be the crew’s personal Chef. They take orders from the Head Chef.

Average salary (per month): 160ft (48m) – 250ft (76m) + à 2,300€ - 3,100€

------------------------------------------------------------ *   Note : All salaries are estimates and can vary significantly

• Qualifications: Chief mate 3000
• Experience: 3 years +
• Salary: 7000 euros
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food Hygiene Level 2
• Experience: 1 Year +
• Salary: 4000 to 4500EUR (DOE)
• Qualifications: -
• Experience: 2 Years +
• Salary: 4000EUR
• Permanent (No rotation)
• Qualifications: Y1 or Unlimited
• Experience: Commercial and 1 Season + of Yachting Ideally
• Salary: 8500EUR
• Salary: DOE
• Permanent 30 days
• Qualifications: YM, OOW pref
• Experience: Similar experience
• Salary: 4000 EUR
• Temporary (6 Months)
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food Hygiene Level 2, Driver’s License
• Salary: 5000EUR

Full Time Chief Officer Salary (45m - 60m)

€ 7,000 / month.

Average Base Salary

Based on 81 respondents

€ 6,000 / year

(Range: € 0 - € 74,400 / year )

Average Bonus + Tips

How much does a Full Time Chief Officer make on a 45m - 60m yacht?

When it comes to the salary of a Full Time Chief Officer on a 45m - 60m yacht, there are many factors to consider. According to data from 81 anonymous respondents, the average monthly salary is €7,000 per month, with a range of €5,000 to €12,000 per month.

However, it's essential to note that several variables affect the Chief Officer's salary. These variables include their experience, qualifications, and longevity onboard, as well as the type of yacht (private or charter) and the generosity of the owner.

Additionally, Chief Officers on yachts can receive bonuses and tips, with an average of €6,000 per year. The amount of these bonuses and tips can vary widely, from €0 to €74,400 per year, depending on several factors such as individual performance and the yacht's success.

Therefore, while the average monthly salary for a Full Time Chief Officer on a 45m - 60m yacht is €7,000, the actual salary offered can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. It's essential to consider all of these factors when negotiating salary and compensation for this position.

Additional Information

Below we have data on the average days leave of a Full Time Chief Officer on a 45m - 60m yacht, as well as information on cabin arrangements, types of flights offered, training budgets, and also a comparison of how many Chief Officer s are Rotational vs Full Time in the 45m - 60m yacht bracket.

45 days /year

(Range: 30 - 90 days /year)

Shared Cabin

Private Cabin

Business Class (All Included)

Economy Class (All Included)

Economy Class (Some Flights Included)

Training & Courses

Significant budget for training & courses

Some budget for training & courses

No training or courses included

Full Time vs. Rotation

Copy and share this link with friends and colleagues so they can add their salary too!

https://yachtcareerhub.com/salary/chief-officer/full-time/45m-60m

Yacht Crew Agency / Candidates / Yacht Salaries Guide

Yacht Salaries Guide

Many of our candidates are asking us for advice on what their salary should be on a yacht.

We have prepared a table of approximate wages in the yachting industry. Even though these salaries may give you a reference point, we would like to inform you that all yachts are different, equally as their owners.

These salary rates are based on the current state of the employment market in yachting in 2024. Real wages always vary depending on the candidate’s experience, training, certificates and additional skills.

Different Salaries of Yacht Crew Jobs

People working on a yacht can earn extras.

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

Living on a private yacht cannot provide all such advice, but it has its own crew benefits, including greater rest, longer vacations, rewards and also the prospect of the owner’s unexpected donations. Such proprietors are often considered to tip.

Different Position in a Yacht Crew, Different Salary

Without a doubt, each position has a different monthly income. So the higher position you will get the higher salary you will get. Here are an overview about some positions on a yacht.

The Captain must be skilled and trained in maritime affairs, outstanding navigational knowledge, exceptional administration, coordination, strategy and diplomacy. A Superyacht Captain will have outstanding nautical expertise, repairs, electronics, professional procedures and accounting, Finance and administrative records knowledge. A captain must have a cool, charismatic demeanor and must be exceptionally competent to work with men, staff and visitors. Average monthly salary : 60ft (18m) à 2,200€ – 3,700€

During the captain’s absence, the Chief Officer / First Mate will have the captain’s good management and interpersonal abilities and outstanding experience and procedures in ISM and ISPS. The CEO will be someone with a solid history in deck work from prior practice with Deckhand or Boson. Average monthly salary : 60ft < 75ft (23m) à 2,200€ – 3,000€

Under the command and control of the commander, the chief steward must perform his or her duties. The head chef may therefore train and prescribe some lower level stews under his command, as the sole responsible for the interior of the vessel and for offering a satisfactory hospitality service to fulfill the holidaymakers ‘needs. Excellent support, networking and management are a must, as is an innovative environment. Average monthly salary : 100ft (33m) – 140ft (43m) à 2,200€ – 3,000€ +

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Yacht crew salary guide

Chief Officer is a highly regarded and authoritative role onboard a yacht, and one in which one can develop their profile as a leader while embracing the yachting lifestyle.

Chief Officer, depending on the size of the yacht is also known as the First Mate, Chief Mate or Mate. They are second in command and report directly to the Captain. The Chief Officer is the designated safety officer and this role requires a thorough understanding of all safety procedures as well as managerial and leadership skills.

Chief Officers are responsible for managing the smooth operation of the deck department which includes the general maintenance and supervision of the deck operations.

What does a Chief Officer do? | Chief Officer Job Description

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer has a more hands-on role, whilst on the larger yachts, their responsibilities are more administrative, ensuring the yacht meets all the legal maritime and safety requirements.

The Chief Officer has a thorough understanding of the bridge and navigation systems, knowledge of all safety procedures onboard as well as the ability to teach and train the deck crew.

The responsibilities of a Chief Officer include:

Assisting the Captain with administrative and safety duties

Ensuring that the yacht is in all respects compliant with the relevant laws and maritime regulations (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)

Ensuring that the yacht is prepared for annual flag surveys, annual class surveys and port/flag state controls

Management of deck crew and maintaining crew discipline

Arranging regular safety drills

Weekly and monthly safety checks and maintenance

Conducting safety familiarisations and safety training for the crew on a regular basis

Setting watch-keeping schedules

Watch-keeping duties

Navigation and passage planning

Keeping all charts and publications up to date

Overseeing docking procedures

Maintenance and management of all toys and tenders

Deck Department budgeting and inventory

Overseeing shipyard periods

Soft and hard skills required to be a Chief Officer

The Chief Officer has a thorough understanding of the bridge and navigation systems, as well as knowledge of all safety procedures on board in case of an emergency.

Being responsible for the crew means it’s very important for a Chief Officer to be of a calm nature and have the capacity to manage negative situations.

The skills of a successful yacht Chief Officer include:

Strong knowledge of onboard safety procedures

Ability to assign duties and delegate crew on projects

Boat handling, watchkeeping and navigational skills

Excellent leadership and communication skills

Extensive deck maintenance knowledge and skills

Advanced product knowledge

Excellent tender driving skills

Advanced water sports knowledge

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Chief Officer position 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.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of chief officer recruitment.

Ulrica Lindström

Head of Captain and Officer Department

Captain and Officer Recruitment Specialist

Caitlin Sorrell

Let’s get started. call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us., our mission, vision and values, mlc 2006 compliance, essential guides, yacht crew positions.

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What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?

Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.

So you’ve scored your first job as crew on a superyacht — great! Here is a who’s who of everyone you will meet on board...

The role : Responsible for the entire vessel, including crew and guests

Responsibilities : Navigation, safety, personnel management, regulatory compliance, budget management

Reports to : The owner

The captain is the highest ranking member on board and carries four stripes on his/her epaulets . Not only is the captain responsible for the vessel’s safe navigation and operation, but every soul on board falls under their command, even the guests. Much like a ”sea-based CEO,” the captain oversees the entire operation from the exterior to the interior. They spend a significant amount of time in the wheelhouse navigating, but the role also requires a great deal of financial management, hiring, appraising, and dismissal of crew. Captains have an extensive amount of maritime experience, training, and seafaring knowledge, as well as a solid grasp of administration duties and accounting. On smaller vessels, the captain might be required to be more hands-on, but on larger vessels, s/he will be assisted by a number of supporting roles, such as the first officer.

First Officer

The role : The captain’s second in command

Responsibilities : Navigation, overseeing docking procedures, managing deck crew, maintenance of deck equipment, watchkeeping

Reports to : Captain

The first officer, also known as the chief officer or first mate, is the second in command and serves as the right-hand man to the captain. Their roles are similar with some duties shared but this can vary from vessel to vessel. The first officer will have a thorough understanding of the bridge and navigation systems and should be able to step in the captain’s absence. They will oversee all deck operations and maintenance and manage the deck crew as well as a long list of administrative duties. The first officer will also have knowledge of all safety procedures on board in case of an emergency.

Second Officer

The role : Supports the first officer and captain

Responsibilities : Managing deck crew, maintenance of deck equipment, navigation, watchkeeping

Reports to : Captain/First Officer

Most yachts will have a first officer but larger yachts might employ a second or even a third officer. This role is often filled by a former senior deckhand who is working their way up the ladder to become a captain. Essentially, the second officer acts as an understudy to the first officer and is jointly responsible for navigation, bridge watches, and management of the deck team. The second officer may also be the designated security, safety, or medical officer on board.

Chief Stewardess

The role : Responsible for the interior of a vessel

Responsibilities : Managing the interior team, food and beverage service, cabin preparation, liaising with guests, interior detailing, training of interior crew, upkeep of inventories and provisioning, orchestrating guest activities

The chief stewardess is the head of the interior team and often the first point of contact for guests during their stay on board. Reporting to the captain, the role involves the maintenance and presentation of the interior as well as the training and management of a team of stewardesses. Chief stewardesses have an expert eye for detail and are able to deliver a seven-star luxury experience by going the extra mile for guests and keeping an impeccable interior. They must be able to anticipate the needs of guests on board as well as being able to delegate duties to their fellow stewardesses. A chief stewardess is a superb organizer and is often tasked with arranging guest activities ashore, planning themed evenings, and throwing parties.

Second/Third Stewardess

The role : Responsible for maintaining the interior

Responsibilities : Housekeeping, interior detailing, food and beverage service, flower arranging, party planning

Reports to : Chief stewardess

The second and third stewardesses report to the chief stewardess and are responsible for the execution of all interior duties from guest service to bartending, cabin detailing, and laundry. This is a role that requires a high degree of organization , attention to detail, and discretion. 

The role : Responsible for overseeing accounting and managing operations and administrative work

Responsibilities : Overseeing the accounting and budget, crew HR, port clearance, guest concierge

The purser is both an administrative and managerial role and more commonly found on larger vessels. Often filled by an experienced chief stewardess, the role of a purser is to manage the accounting and operational budget, customs for the vessel and goods, immigration for crew and guests, and handle trave logistics and itinerary management. They are also in charge of crew HR, including payroll, leave, crew travel, certificate management, and contracts. They can assist with procurement and will ensure all items are shipped to the vessel and delivered on board. The purser is the first line of contact for shoreside suppliers, agents, and management.

Chief Engineer

The role : Responsible for the engineering department and technical equipment

Responsibilities : Overseeing the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, managing and supervising repairs, managing and training a team of engineers

Day to day, the chief engineer is responsible for the maintenance of all the mechanical and electrical operations. As such, the chief engineer will have detailed knowledge of all systems on board the vessel, from engines and generators to air conditioning, refrigeration, electronics, and hydraulics. Troubleshooting is an essential skill for any engineer working on board a yacht and the chief engineer will manage or supervise any repair work required. Where repair work requires an external operative, the chief engineer will be responsible for coordinating with shore-side engineers. He or she will also be required to manage and train an entire team, which on larger vessels might consist of engineers, electricians, and ETOs (Electronic Technical Officer). 

Second/Third Engineer

The role: Support the chief engineer in the maintenance of all onboard systems

Responsibilities : Maintaining the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, repair work

Reports to : Chief engineer

As the size of a yacht increases, so does the number and the complexity of systems on board. A second or third engineer might be required to pick up some of the maintenance work required.

The role : To maintain the exterior of a vessel and manage the deck crew

Responsibilities : Managing the deck crew, overseeing, assisting with and executing maintenance work on deck, line handling

Reports to : First Officer

The bosun is often an experienced former deckhand and leads a team of exterior crew. He or she is responsible for the maintenance of the exterior, from cleaning windows and daily washdowns to painting, caulking, and other basic repairs. As one of the more experienced members of the deck crew, they play an important role in communicating with the captain and first officer during docking procedures and are usually the first to get behind the wheel of a tender. The bosun will have a working knowledge of the toys on board and will supervise guests.

The role : To maintain the exterior of a vessel and assist with deck operations

Responsibilities : Wash downs, polishing, assisting the bosun in maintenance projects, supervising toy use, line handling, tender driving

Reports to: Bosun

Naturally, the bigger the boat, the larger the number of deck crew you have, which might consist of a lead deckhand and junior deckhands. The deckhand will support the bosun in executing maintenance and repair projects on deck and will assist in keeping the exterior of the yacht in immaculate condition. You can spot a member of the deck crew gripping a brightly colored chamois in one hand. 

The role : Responsible for food on board

Responsibilities : Provisioning, menu planning, preparing meals, budget management

The chef plays an all-important role on board and is responsible for preparing and delivering meals to the highest possible standard. The superyacht chef will typically have experience working in restaurants or hotels or as a private household chef, with detailed knowledge of local and seasonable produce, food and wine pairings, and the ability to prepare menus with limited availability. A yacht chef will have often had extensive training with the ability to execute meals with precision and creative presentation and be able to adapt to any dietary requirement with ease. On smaller yachts, the role might be absorbed by a stewardess, while larger yachts may employ a sous chef. 

Sous Chef/Crew Chef

The role : Supports the chef in provisioning and preparing meals

Responsibilities : Provisioning, menu planning, preparing meals

Reports to : Chef

Bigger yachts might have a sous chef to assist in the execution of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for guests and crew. They will have similar knowledge of produce and menu planning with the ability to execute meals with detail. Some yachts will even have a dedicated crew chef who cooks for the crew only.

*Roles and responsibilities may vary from vessel to vessel

More advice for new crew

• Advice for Crew Getting Started in Yachting
• The Top Yacht Crew Jobs This Week
• 101 Words You Need to Know as Crew

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First Officer / Chief Mate

About the first officer / chief mate.

The first officer onboard a yacht is required to have in depth knowledge of all bridge, navigation and deck procedures as well as the ability to teach the deck crew new repair and maintenance skills. This person will also have a thorough understanding of safety procedures as well as managerial skills, strong leadership of and communication with the crew. The first officer is able to support the captain in every aspect of yacht management. This role necessitates at least five years of experience including positions as the first officer or the captain of a smaller vessel and a minimum license of OOW unlimited.

Job Responsibilities

• Assisting captain with administrative and safety duties
• Management of deck crew and maintaining crew discipline
• Arrange regular safety drills
• Setting watch schedules
• Maintenance and deck inventory and deck equipment
• Stowage of yacht for sea
• Adhering to deck budget
• Continued education and licensing test

Required Skills

• Ability to stand in for captain in his absence
• Ability to delegate, effective communicator, organized, diplomatic and versatile
• Boat handling, watch keeping and navigational skills
• Excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices
• Extensive maintenance knowledge and skills; cleaning, rust/corrosion, painting, varnishing, rope splicing, fiberglass, carpentry, outboard motors and maintenance product knowledge
• Basic engineering knowledge
• Advanced knowledge of all water sports
• Computer skills

Salary Modifiers

• Engineering experience or certificate
• Advanced medical training/certificate
• Limited experience in intended cruising area

Position Statistics

Career path, senior master, junior captain, officer of the watch, junior deckhand.

National News | Norfolk Southern sets salary and bonus for…

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National news | norfolk southern sets salary and bonus for newly promoted ceo after firing alan shaw.

George was previously making $675,000 as CFO, but he got the top job at the railroad Wednesday after Norfolk Southern’s board fired Alan Shaw for having an inappropriate consensual relationship with the chief legal officer.

The Atlanta-based railroad disclosed the details of George’s compensation in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It didn’t immediately disclose how much severance Shaw will receive.

Norfolk Southern has been at the center of a national examination of railroad safety ever since one of its trains derailed and caught fire in February 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. Half the town had to evacuate when officials decided to blow open five tank cars of vinyl chloride and burn the plastic ingredient inside generating a huge plume of thick, black smoke.

Norfolk Southern said George will also receive $4 million in stock grants.

In January, George will be eligible for a long-term incentive grant of $10 million in stock.

The railroad said Shaw’s firing was unrelated to the company’s financial performance, and it expects to continue meeting its goals for this year as George will continue the planned overhaul of operations that began this spring while Norfolk Southern was fending off activist investor Ancora Holdings. Ancora was able to elect three directors but not enough to take control of the railroad and fire Shaw like it recommended.

Norfolk Southern is one of the nation’s six largest railroads with tracks crossing the Eastern United States.

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, announced today that Ken Wee has joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Wee reports to Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel.

Kreiz said: “We welcome Ken to our leadership team at an exciting point in the execution of our strategy to grow Mattel’s IP-driven toy business and expand our entertainment offering. Ken brings extensive experience in strategic planning, M&A, and corporate development gained in the gaming, technology and media sectors, which bodes well as we further our aim to unlock the full value of our IP outside the toy aisle and create long-term shareholder value.”

In this role, Wee oversees all aspects of strategic planning and corporate development for Mattel, including identifying opportunities to accelerate growth and profitability and optimize business performance.

Wee was previously the Chief Strategy Officer for video game publisher Activision Blizzard. In this capacity, Wee identified and executed on organic initiatives and M&A opportunities to grow the reach, engagement, and commercial success of Activision Blizzard's portfolio of franchises with over 400 million players, culminating in Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Wee added: “I am proud and excited to join Mattel and work with our talented teams to grow our iconic brands in new ways and delight our fans through play.”

Prior to joining Activision Blizzard, Wee was a partner at the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. There he led McKinsey’s Interactive Entertainment Practice and served clients in media, technology, and private equity globally across a broad range of topics. He previously worked at New Mountain Capital, a leading investment fund.

Born and raised in Australia, Wee is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business and is a CFA Charterholder. Wee also serves on the Board of Directors of Behaviour Interactive, a leading Canadian video game publisher known for its award-winning Dead by Daylight franchise. He is based at Mattel’s global headquarters in El Segundo, California.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com .

Press: Catherine Frymark [email protected]