If you’re a yacht owner, hiring the right crew isn’t just about finding someone who can dock your floating palace without scuffing the paint—it’s about creating a top-tier experience for everyone onboard. The crew is the backbone of your yacht’s operation, but salaries can vary greatly depending on where your yacht is based and its size.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into yacht crew salary guidelines, comparing rates in the Mediterranean and the USA, breaking down salaries by crew positions and yacht size, and giving you tips to ensure your yacht attracts and retains the best talent.
Yacht Crew Salary Guidelines:
Mediterranean vs. USA: Key Salary Differences
The geographic location of your yacht plays a massive role in setting salary expectations.
- The Mediterranean:
The Med is the heart of seasonal yachting. Think French Riviera summers and Greek island hopping. Since many yachts operate here during peak months only, hiring is often seasonal, which keeps salaries slightly lower. The cost of living is lower in many Mediterranean countries compared to the USA, and there’s a large pool of experienced crew who work seasonally. - The USA:
The USA, especially South Florida, is a year-round yachting hub. Crew salaries here tend to be higher due to the increased cost of living and a smaller talent pool for the growing number of yachts operating year-round. Americans also tend to demand more benefits and perks, which can slightly bump up the cost for owners.
Pro Tip: If you plan to split time between the Med and the USA, expect to pay USA-level salaries year-round for consistency.
For more yachting destination inspiration, read: 25 Breathtaking Yacht Destinations You Need to Explore.
Detailed Salary Chart by Position and Yacht Size
Here’s a more comprehensive breakdown of typical monthly salaries (in USD) for key crew positions. These figures are averages and can vary based on the crew member’s experience, yacht itinerary, and owner expectations.
| Position | <30m (98 ft) | 30-50m (98-164 ft) | 50-70m (164-230 ft) | 70m+ (230 ft+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | $5,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$13,000 | $12,000-$16,000 | $15,000-$25,000+ |
| First Officer | $3,500-$5,500 | $5,500-$8,000 | $8,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
| Second Officer | $3,000-$4,500 | $4,500-$6,500 | $6,500-$8,000 | $8,000-$10,000 |
| Chief Engineer | $4,500-$7,000 | $7,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$12,000 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Second Engineer | $3,500-$5,000 | $5,000-$7,500 | $7,500-$9,000 | $9,000-$12,000 |
| Chef | $4,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$9,000 | $9,000-$12,000 | $12,000-$15,000 |
| Sous Chef | $3,000-$4,500 | $4,500-$6,000 | $6,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$10,000 |
| Chief Steward(ess) | $3,000-$5,000 | $5,000-$7,500 | $7,500-$9,000 | $9,000-$12,000 |
| Second Steward(ess) | $3,000-$4,000 | $4,000-$5,500 | $5,500-$6,500 | $6,500-$8,000 |
| Third Steward(ess) | $3,500-$4,500 | $3,500-$4,500 | $4,500-$5,500 | $5,500-$7,000 |
| Deckhand | $3,000-$4,000 | $3,000-$4,500 | $3,500-$5,000 | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Bosun | $3,000-$4,500 | $4,500-$6,000 | $6,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$10,000 |
| Purser | N/A | $5,500-$7,500 | $7,500-$10,000 | $10,000-$12,000 |
| Junior Steward(ess) | $3,000-$4,000 | $3,000-$4,500 | $4,000-$5,000 | $4,500-$6,000 |
What Affects Crew Salaries?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay your yacht crew:
- Experience and Certifications
- An experienced captain with transatlantic crossings under their belt will earn more than someone new to the role. Positions like engineers often require advanced certifications (e.g., Y4 or Y3 licenses), which boost salaries.
- Itinerary Complexity
- Are you sticking to smooth Med waters or embarking on adventurous Arctic expeditions? Challenging itineraries require experienced crew and often come with higher pay.
- Yacht Schedule
- Seasonal hires in the Med often earn less than full-time crew in the USA or Caribbean.
- Yacht Type and Owner Preferences
- Luxury yachts catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals may pay more for crew capable of providing bespoke services, such as wine pairing expertise or yoga instruction.
Tips for Attracting and Retaining Top Yacht Crew
- Competitive Pay Isn’t Everything
Offering a slightly above-average salary is great, but perks make a huge difference. Crew members value health insurance, generous vacation time, and clear contracts. - Training Opportunities
Investing in crew training, such as advanced safety courses, can foster loyalty and improve performance. - Work-Life Balance
Burnout is real in the yachting industry. Ensure your schedule allows for reasonable downtime, especially after guest trips. - Crew Accommodation
The better the crew quarters, the happier (and more well-rested) your crew will be.
Why Pay Matters: A Note for Owners
Underpaying crew can cost you in the long run. A well-paid, happy crew means smoother operations, better guest experiences, and less turnover. Remember, replacing a crew member mid-season isn’t just inconvenient—it can be downright expensive.
Sourcing and Research
Salary ranges and data for this article were compiled from reputable industry sources, including:
