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What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht? 4 May 2021

What should you be paying your Captain?

What salary can I expect as a Captain on a superyacht?

These are questions we often get asked at Quay Crew headquarters.

In this blog, the superyacht Captain salaries are revealed in our exclusive Captain recruitment survey by Quay Crew.

Captain Recruitment Specialist, Tim Clarke , reveals some very interesting findings…

The subject of what a Captain should be paid often comes up in conversation, normally with Captains, but recently I was working with the yacht owner on a large new build project and had to recruit everyone from the Captain down. I was asked “What should I pay my Captain?”. I had to advise on salary levels for the Captain position and this made me realise that there isn’t a lot of accurate information out there in the public domain.

So how much should a Captain on a superyacht get paid?

Recently I did a salary survey of Captains which went into significant detail regarding yacht size, program, leave, pay reviews, bonuses, flights and additional perks. 186 Captains responded so we had an excellent spread of data to work with. The full report is actually 41 pages long so this is just a brief summary of the most pertinent information.

Have a Captain recruitment requirement coming up or just want to see all the additional info? To receive a copy in your inbox, email  [email protected]

The breakdown of qualifications across the 186 respondents was as follows:

26% Master Unlimited

68% Master 3000gt

6% Master 500gt

Private or Charter?

58% of Captains surveyed said they work on a purely private yacht. 34% on yachts which are a mix of owner use and charter so run commercially. Only 8% work on yachts which are purely commercial / charter programs.

Monthly salary averages for Captains on a superyacht

Average monthly salary for Captains with full rotation:

Under 39m n/a

40m to 49m €12.4k approx.

50m to 59m €11.4k approx.

60m to 69m €13.3k approx.

70m to 79m €14.5k approx.

80m to 89m €16.2k approx.

90m to 99m €18.4k approx.

Over 100m €19.3k approx.

Average monthly salary for Captains who are full time:

Under 39m €10.2k Euros approx.

40m to 49m €11.9k Euros approx.

50m to 59m €15.3k Euros approx.

60m to 69m €16k Euros approx.

70m to 79m €19.2k Euros approx.

80m to 89m €22k Euros approx.

90m to 99m €25k euros approx.

Over 100m €14.5k Euros approx.

Additional Captain salary facts…

When you compare rotational and full time salaries on yachts over 60m, the full time positions average over 2k a month more. Some yachts’ Captain packages are hugely removed from the norm. For example, one 60m to 69m is found to be paying over 25k to a full rotation Captain. No yacht that responded under 39m offers rotation. 36 Captains are earning over 20k a month, the vast majority of which are on purely private yachts.

Captain Rotation

23% of Captains on yachts 40m-49m have a full rotation. This takes a big jump to 53% of yachts 50m -59m. Full rotation peaks at 83% on yachts over 100m.

The average is 63% of Captains on yachts above 50m have full rotation so 92 out of the 147 who worked on yachts from 50m to 100m up.

Captain Recruitment for Superyachts

If you are looking to recruit a Captain for your yacht and want to make sure you are accessing the best talent in the market, then give me a call on +44 7760 202610. Recently I have recruited a variety of Captains for various yachts including a 100m plus new build, a very prestigious 90m, a 60m plus new build just launched and lots more between 50m and 70m. Alternatively if you just want a chat about the Captain market and your current Captain’s compensation package, then just get in touch via phone or via my direct email .

If you are a Captain reading this then here are a couple of links to other blogs I have written which may interest you.

How to secure your dream Captain job on a superyacht

How many Captains are there?

What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht?

About the author

How much does length of service matter in Superyacht Recruitment?

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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 Captain Salary

How much does a Yacht Captain make? The average Yacht Captain salary is $108,955 as of January 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $88,473 and $124,919 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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

Super Yacht Captain Salary - How Much You Should Be Earning

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

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

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

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

Table of contents

Superyacht captain salary tiers

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

  • Wrapping Up

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

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

super yacht captain salary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

super-yacht-captain-salary

Source: ypicrew.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrapping up

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

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

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

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

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

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How Much Do Superyacht Crew Earn? (An In-Depth Look)

salary of superyacht captain

The life of a superyacht crew member is one of luxury and adventure, but how much do they actually make? If you’ve ever considered joining a superyacht, you have probably wondered about salaries, tips, and other factors that affect pay.

In this in-depth look, we’ll explore the different factors that impact superyacht crew salaries, the typical salaries for superyacht captains and other crew members, bonuses, tips, and more.

Plus, we’ll look at the factors that affect tips, how to maximize your earning potential, and how to research salaries before joining a superyacht.

So, get ready to learn all about superyacht crew salaries and how to make the most of your paycheck.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The salary for superyacht crew can vary greatly depending on experience, position, and the size of the vessel.

Entry-level crew can expect to make anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 a month, while more experienced crew members can make up to $10,000 or more per month.

Additionally, crew members can receive tips from passengers, which can add to their overall salary.

Factors that Impact Crew Salaries

Salaries for superyacht crew members can vary significantly, depending on a range of different factors.

The size of the yacht, the duties required, and the experience level of the crew can all have a major impact on how much crew members earn.

The size of the yacht is a major factor in determining the salaries of crew members.

Larger yachts require more crew members, so salaries tend to be higher as there is more work to be done.

In addition, larger yachts tend to pay more for experienced crew members, as they have more complex systems to manage.

The duties required of the crew are also important when considering salaries.

Different positions on a yacht require different levels of experience and expertise, and this impacts the salary.

For instance, the captain of a superyacht can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members may earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually.

Finally, the experience level of the crew also plays an important role in determining salaries.

More experienced crew members are generally able to command higher salaries than those with less experience.

This is particularly true for positions such as the captain, who must have a high level of knowledge and skill in order to safely and successfully manage the yacht.

In addition to their salaries, superyacht crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

These additional benefits can help to increase the total compensation for crew members, making it more attractive for experienced professionals to take on a job on a superyacht.

Typical Salaries for Superyacht Captains

salary of superyacht captain

When it comes to salaries for superyacht crew members, the captain is typically the highest paid position.

On average, captains of superyachts can expect to earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, depending on the size of the vessel, the duties required, and their experience level.

The pay rate for a captain will also vary based on the region where the yacht is located, as well as the specific job requirements.

The most experienced captains may even be able to command salaries above the average range.

For example, captains who have been in the industry for many years and have a proven track record of success may be able to secure higher pay.

In addition, captains who are highly experienced in a certain type of vessel, such as a luxury sailing yacht, may be able to earn more than their counterparts.

In addition to their salaries, superyacht captains may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Many captains may also be able to negotiate a contract that includes additional perks, such as stock options, a car, and other incentives.

These additional benefits can make the job of a superyacht captain even more attractive and rewarding.

Typical Salaries for Other Superyacht Crew Members

When it comes to salaries for other superyacht crew members, there is a wide range of pay depending on the individual’s experience and job duties.

For example, deckhands and stewards typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 per year.

However, more experienced and knowledgeable crew members, such as engineers, chief stewards, and bosuns, can earn up to $150,000 annually.

In addition to these salaries, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Tips can often be a significant source of additional income for crew members, as they are often allowed to keep any gratuities they receive from guests.

Furthermore, some yachts may provide their crew with free room and board, allowing them to save money on housing costs.

Overall, the salaries for superyacht crew members can vary greatly, depending on the size of the vessel, the duties required, and the experience level of the crew.

It is important for potential crew members to research the salaries and benefits of different positions before applying, in order to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.

Bonuses, Tips, and Other Benefits

salary of superyacht captain

When it comes to superyachts, crew members can earn more than just their base salary.

In addition to their wages, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

Bonuses can be based on the number of years of service, the size of the superyacht, the reputation of the captain, and the performance of the crew.

Tips can be given to crew members from guests, and they can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

In addition to bonuses and tips, crew members may also receive other benefits such as free room and board.

Most superyachts provide crew members with their own private cabins and meals.

This can save crew members a significant amount of money as they dont have to pay for food or accommodation while working.

Other benefits that superyacht crew members may receive include access to luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, spa, and entertainment facilities.

These amenities can be a great way for crew members to relax and unwind after a long day at sea.

Crew members may also receive discounts on luxury items such as jewelry, clothing, and electronics.

Overall, the salaries and benefits for superyacht crew members can be quite generous.

While base salaries may be lower than other high-paying jobs, the bonuses, tips, and other benefits can add up to a significant sum over time.

Superyacht crew members also get to experience a unique lifestyle that few other professions can offer.

Factors That Affect Tips

When it comes to superyacht crew salary, tips are often an important source of income.

Factors that affect the amount of tips a crewmember can earn include the size of the vessel, the type of services they provide, the level of service they provide, and the amount of time they have been with the yacht.

The size of the vessel can be an important factor in how much a crewmember can make in tips.

The larger the yacht, the more passengers and guests it will typically accommodate, giving the crew more opportunities to provide services.

Additionally, the more luxurious the yacht, the more expensive the services, which could also lead to higher tips for the crew.

The type of services provided also plays an important role in the amount of tips received.

For instance, those working in the galley may receive more tips from guests who are particularly pleased with their meals than those who are simply cleaning the deck.

Similarly, the level of service provided can also have a significant effect on the amount of tips received.

For instance, crew members who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the best possible experience for guests may be rewarded with larger tips.

Finally, the amount of time a crewmember has been with the yacht can also affect the amount of tips they receive.

For instance, those who have been with the yacht for a longer period of time may have more familiarity with the guests and their preferences, leading to better service and thus higher tips.

Additionally, crew members who have been with the yacht for longer may also have established relationships with the guests, which could lead to larger tips.

How to Maximize Your Earning Potential

salary of superyacht captain

For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, there are a few steps you can take to increase your salary and job prospects.

Firstly, make sure you are properly trained and certified for the job you are applying for.

The more certifications you have, the higher your salary may be.

You should also become familiar with the yacht you are applying for, as this will give you an edge over other applicants.

Additionally, having a good work ethic and a positive attitude can go a long way in helping you stand out from the competition.

Finally, having a good network of contacts in the industry can be beneficial, as they may be able to recommend you for jobs or help you secure a higher salary.

How to Research Salaries Before Joining a Superyacht

If youre considering joining a superyacht crew, then researching salaries is an important part of the process.

Its important to have an understanding of how much you could potentially earn in this career before you commit to taking a job.

There are a few different ways to research salaries for superyacht crew members.

First, you can ask around in your network.

Chances are, there are people in your circle who are already working in the industry, or who have worked in the industry in the past.

They can give you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to salaries.

Second, you can look for job postings and salary listings online.

Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and other job boards are a great way to research what salaries you can expect in the superyacht industry.

Many job postings will include salary details, so you can get an idea of what a potential employer is offering.

Third, you can talk to a recruitment agency.

Many recruitment agencies specialize in the superyacht industry, and they can give you an accurate idea of what salaries you can expect.

They can also give you valuable advice on how to negotiate for the best salary possible.

Finally, you can reach out to the yacht management companies directly.

Many yacht management companies are happy to discuss salary ranges with potential crew members, so its worth reaching out to them to get an idea of what you can expect.

By researching salaries before joining a superyacht crew, you can make sure that youre making a well-informed decision about your career.

Final Thoughts

Salaries for superyacht crew members can vary greatly depending on the experience level, duties required, and size of the vessel.

Generally, captains can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually.

In addition to their salaries, crew members may also receive bonuses, tips, and other benefits such as free room and board.

If you’re interested in joining a superyacht, it’s important to research salaries and understand the factors that impact them.

With the right knowledge and understanding, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your earning potential and enjoying a rewarding career in the superyacht industry.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

table showing yacht crew salaries by position and vessel size

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.

Looking at the helm station on the bridge of the yacht. There is a chart as well as all the monitor screens and through the windows you can see views of a large mountain

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.

man driving a tender. the chief officer earns a high yacht crew salary

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.

a man holding ropes walking outside the yacht

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.

salary of superyacht captain

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.

The engine room inside the yacht showing the main engine

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.

a man cooking food with 2 colourful salads and a platter of meat

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.

woman standing on a perfect white sand beach with crystal clear blue water in the Bahamas

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.

salary of superyacht captain

How Much Do Yacht Captains Make? (Numbers & Examples)

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Do you love boating? The wind and the water? The smell of sunscreen and sea salt? The feel of a powerful machine beneath your hands?

If boating is your passion, you might be wondering how you can do it for a living. Well, you might be in luck.

How Much Do A Yacht Captain Make?

The captain of a yacht typically makes between $60,000 and $150,000, depending on the size of the yacht and his/her experience. On top of that, charter yacht captains will typically earn 10-15% of the price of the charter from tipping.

Here’s everything you need to know about how much a yacht captain makes.

Table of Contents

salary of superyacht captain

How Much Money Do Yacht Captains Make?

One of the major determining factors of salary for yacht captains is the type of license you possess, the type of yacht you work on, and your level of experience.

Yacht captains often get paid a base salary. It will typically be in the size of $60,000 to $150,000.

In addition to a base salary, they can also get:

  • health insurance
  • flight expenses
  • paid vacation
  • training reimbursement

If your position requires you reside on the vessel you are also likely to be supplied with food and sundries.

Tips are often earned on yachts that are available to be chartered.

Here’s our guide to how much you should expect to earn from tipping as a crew member on a yacht .

Different Ranges of Salaries for Yacht Captains

  • If you are a captain that is operating boats that range from 60 to 100 feet, the salary range would be between $48,000 and $100,000 per year.
  • A captain who operates vessels between 100 and 130 feet, can earn a salary between $90,000 and $140,000 per year.
  • A captain who would operate a vessel that can range between 130 to over 160 feet, could earn anywhere between $120,000 and $180,000.
  • If the vessel that you operate falls between 160 to 190 feet, your salary could be between $150,000 to $210,000.
  • If you operate a vessel that is 190 feet or more you could make over $200,000 per year.

Variations to these averages can depend on factors such as owner/guest use, the qualifications that are required with the position, and the itinerary of the vessel.

How Do I Become A Yacht Captain?

After looking at the earning potential, you are probably ready to sign up! However, you cannot just get on a yacht and become the captain.

To become a yacht captain, you first need to obtain a license. There are a few different levels of Captain’s licenses and you should attend the class that will give you the highest leveled license that you can qualify for.

There are two main license types that you can get. These are the “Six-Pack Captain’s License” or the “Master License”.

The Six-Pack Captain’s License would allow you to captain a boat with up to 6 paying passengers plus crew. The vessel can only weigh 100 gross tons or less.

This license is generally used for vessels that engage in charter fishing, scuba diving, or tour cruises.

This course includes topics such as the navigational rules, navigation aids and chart plotting, electronic navigation, characteristics of weather systems, and lifesaving equipment and safety.

To qualify to get this license you need at least 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels with 90 of those days being within 3 years of getting the license. You also have to complete the test that is given.

Any experience that was gained before the age of 16 cannot be used.

The Master License would allow you to captain a boat with more than 6 paying passengers.

Any vessel that is authorized to carry more than 6 paying passengers requires a Master license. Boats that require this type of license can include ferry boats, harbor tour boats, whale watching vessels, and water taxis.

For the Master License, the topics include everything listed for the Six-Pack license but also includes basic seamanship skills, tides and currents, marine radio operation, pollution prevention, vessel handling skills, and emergency procedures.

Requirements for a Master License depending on which type of Master License you get.

These include:

  • Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. Completion of course and test.
  • Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 90 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.
  • Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 180 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.
  • Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 360 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.

Other Requirements Include:

  • A Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card).
  • You must be 19 years or older.
  • Pass a physical examination.
  • Pass a drug test.
  • CPR/First Aid Training.

In addition to your license, you can also add endorsements.

These endorsements include a towing endorsement that would allow you to assist vessels in need for a fee, or sail or auxiliary sail endorsement which would allow you to operate a sailing or auxiliary sail vessel.

These endorsements are not required but may help you find a wider variety of jobs.

You also need a captain’s license if you are choosing to be a fishing guide. A fishing guide is the captain of a fishing vessel that holds paying passengers.

What is the Work Schedule Like for a Yacht Captain?

A six-figure salary can come with hard work and high levels of responsibility. 

While a yacht owner might only utilize their vessel between 6-8 weeks a year, you will most likely work all year. 

Your average year could consist of between 6-8 weeks of work with the owner, 10-12 additional weeks of work if the vessel is chartered, and another 8-10 weeks spend moving the yacht between ports.

The job duties of a yacht captain can include:

  • The ultimate safety of the passengers, crew, environment, and vessel.
  • Following the instructions of the yacht’s owner.
  • Crew hiring and dismissal as well as general personnel management.
  • Training and coaching the rest of the crew.
  • Legal and regulatory compliance.
  • Navigation including plotting a safe course, following the plotted course, docking and departing.
  • Management of the ship’s maintenance and upgrades.
  • Management of the vessel’s finances, porting options, and other accounting.
  • Negotiating for goods and services for the vessel.

There are personality traits better fitted to this job than others.

The ideal personality traits of a captain include:

  • A calm personality especially in an emergency situation.
  • Superior leadership, communication, and management skills.
  • Diplomacy skills.
  • Organized and methodical behaviors.
  • Knowledge of other languages and cultural sensitivity.

In addition to these personality traits you should also have the following skills:

  • Boat handling and navigation skills that can come from acquiring a license.
  • International Safety Management (ISM) and International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) knowledge.
  • Maintenance and engineering/troubleshooting experience.
  • Financial management skills.
  • The proper licensing.

The captain of a yacht is more than just a manager of people and assets. They are the manager of an experience. It is the captain’s job to run the vessel according to owner preferences to ensure the best experience.

The ultimate goal of the captain and the crew should be the happiness and experience of the owner and his guests.

Once the owner of the vessel describes what type of yacht he wants to own and how, when and where they would like to use the vessel, the rest of the management is often clearly defined.

It is up to the captain to maintain these standards and stay within the boundaries set forth by the owner. After all, without an owner of the vessel, the captain would not have a job.

The captain should also concern himself with the safety of all the passengers, other vessels, the environment they are in, and the vessel itself.

How Much Money Does It Cost to Run A Yacht?

For an average mega yacht that operates with 12 crew members, your expenses for the operation could be anywhere between 4 and 10 million dollars.

This budget is based on where your yacht is moored, whether your yacht is available for charter, and where the travel destinations are.

Making these decisions can be the responsibility of a management company or can fall to the captain of the vessel.

These decisions include all aspects of the budget, what charters to take, where to station the vessel between charters, when to service the boat, and where to get it serviced when you do.

If you are intending to own a yacht and run it, in addition to the crew and the above expenses you will also be looking at spending money on food, drinks, and other amenities that are needed while on your voyage.

Overall, Yacht owning is an expensive hobby. One of the biggest expenses is the pay and benefits for the crew. 

If you work on a yacht you should have no trouble turning your passion into a prosperous career with high earning potential.

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SuperyachtNews

By Conor Feasey 12 Jan 2024

Captain salaries on the rise

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

salary of superyacht captain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Average Yacht Captain Salary

The average salary for a Yacht Captain is $84,988 in 2024

Featured Content

How do yacht captains rate their jobs, common health benefits for a yacht captain, gender breakdown for yacht captains.

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FAQs About Yacht Captains

What is the highest pay for yacht captains.

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Yacht Captain is $160k / year

What is the lowest pay for Yacht Captains?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Yacht Captain is $32k / year

How can Yacht Captains increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Yacht Captain is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Yacht Captain that oversees more junior Yacht Captains, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

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Yachting Financial Solutions

What determines a superyacht captain’s salary.

Superyacht Captain Salary

It’s common knowledge that yacht crew are paid well, especially at senior officer and captain level. But how much is a superyacht captain’s salary? A study of yacht captain’s salaries reflected that this is a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” And the answer depends on both tangible and intangible issues.

One of the key aspects of a salary is the responsibility that goes with it. So let’s begin there.

The role of a superyacht captain is very demanding, particularly on boats with 12 crew or more. Superyacht captains not only have to manage a boat and its crew, but also run the equivalent of a five-star hotel for the owner/guests. They need to liaise with the guests (either the owner of the boat or charterers) and translate their requests into things that can actually be achieved on board a superyacht. And while they’re doing all of that, they have to ensure the safety of the passengers and keep crew stress at manageable levels. In addition, they are the main point of contact for the boat owner or management company. The demands on a yacht captain’s time never stop and they come from all directions at once. Their salaries per month depending to a degree on how efficiently they execute all this. 

Being a superyacht captain is comparable to being at director or c-suite level in a company. In fact, were you to view the superyacht as a standalone company, the captain would be the CEO. However, superyachts don’t operate entirely in isolation. They are part of the owner’s wider set up, so it is perhaps more fitting to see captains at director level. And that fits with the salaries on offer, which fall within the band you’d expect to find at director level within an SME.

Qualities that determine salaries paid to superyacht captains

But responsibilities are only one side of the coin. On the other side are the tangible qualities that you bring to the job. These will also determine how much pay you get as a superyacht captain. Think of things like:

  • Your experience of similar boats and your tickets.  Superyachts are extremely expensive, so owners and management companies are going to be keen to get someone with a proven track record on the bridge of a boat of equivalent size, number of crew members and/or complexity.
  • Length of time in the industry.  The more years you have under your belt, the higher the pay you can ask for—to a certain point. Owners are cost-conscious creatures (they aren’t super-wealthy for nothing) and will eventually start looking elsewhere if they feel you are becoming too expensive. While the position of captain may feel secure, it isn’t.
  • Do you have marine experience outside yachting?  Naval or commercial experience is something owners value and can be reflected in yacht captain salaries.
  • Are you being hired by the management company or directly by the owner?  Owners may pay you more, if only because a management company is taking part of its fee off the top of any crew budget and onboard expenses. Also, management companies are likely to have a relatively inflexible salary structure. Owners might be more inclined to pay you well above the existing pay structure on board—if there even is one.
  • Do you have other relevant experience, like engineering skills and qualifications?  Whether this is important depends on the size of the yacht. It’s usually more relevant on smaller boats, where individual crew responsibilities may be more wide ranging. 
  • Is it a rotational position?  A permanent, full time position will attract a higher salary for a superyacht captain. You might find that owners like to see the same face at the helm of their yacht, which could mean more money. On the other hand, management companies running charter yachts may be more likely to rotate officers and crew, depending on their needs.
  • How big is the boat?  The size of the vessel is important. The bigger the boat, generally the bigger the pay cheque. The same goes for how unique or complex the boat is. 

Then there are the intangibles that determine a superyacht captain’s salary.

  • Shared values/interests.  If you’re being interviewed by the boat owner, what qualities and interests are attractive to them? Are you the same nationality? Are you both interested in marine research? Do you support the same football team? (In fact, do you support the team the yacht owner actually owns?) Etc. etc.
  • Owners intent.  Is your employer looking for the best candidate for the role or are they mainly looking to cut costs?
  • Captains’ length of service.  Does the boat have a reputation for keeping captains long term? 
  • Crew length of service.  Are there many long-term crew on board? What’s the turnover of crew like? What does morale feel like on board?

Why did the previous captain leave?  And how sudden was their departure? The owner or management company may be desperate to fill a hole in the senior crew roster quickly, but have plans to fill the role with someone else at a later date. Never assume you are the permanent appointment. But if the boat needs to be ready for the Mediterranean season within weeks for example, you may be able to push for more money, if you sense they really need you.

Yacht Crew Salary Guide

Superyacht Crew Salary Guide

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

All in all, your salary as a superyacht captain will be anywhere between Eur/USD 50,000 and Eur/USD 300,000. On top of that, you could also receive tips.

Money is only one part of crew salaries. In addition, the number of paid holidays per year is an important consideration, along with how extensive the health cover is offered by the owner or management company.

All in all, this sounds great doesn’t it? But what are the downsides? Being a superyacht captain is a big, big ask. In addition to the regular pressures you’d expect to accompany a c-suite level position, superyacht captains have to deal with several other challenges that are almost unique to yachting.

  • The job can be very lonely, and high pressured.  There aren’t many people on board you can talk to freely. And in some instances, there will be things you can’t talk to anyone on board about.
  • Job insecurity.  You are at the whim of the boat owner. They could decide to fire you at any time and for reasons completely beyond your control.
  • As a captain you are vulnerable.  Many others would like your job. And if you do lose your job, you could find it difficult to find another. There are more available captains than well- paying captain’s positions. 
  • Family.  You are away from home a lot. This can take a toll on family life, especially if you have children. It can be difficult to play a meaningful role in their daily lives if you are on the boat half or nearly all the time.
  • Many boat owners are elderly.  It’s a harsh fact that they could die or lose interest in yachting, resulting in the sale of the boat and possibly the end of your career. 

With all of this in mind, you’d be wise to make the most of the upsides of working in yachting. You are a captain with a prestigious job on board a luxury boat—and a salary to match. 

However, always keep in mind that no one remains a captain forever. It’s vital that you use your time in this position to build your financial independence as quickly as possible. Once you achieve that, you’ll be in control of your life, not your employer. We’ve written elsewhere that at least a million dollars will be needed to achieve this. Though as a captain, you have the ability to build significantly more wealth. Click here: The Unique Financial Opportunity of Superyacht Crew .

That doesn’t mean you have to stop working. But it does mean you’ll have the financial freedom to leave the boat with dignity at any time and move on to living your life on your own terms when you are ready to do so.

We have been helping captains and senior crew achieve this for over twenty-five years.  We may be able to work with you too. Why not get in touch to find out more?

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But do you even need a financial planner? Couldn’t you sort out your own investments?

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Why would superyacht crew need bespoke financial planning? In fact, why would they need financial planning at all? The first question is easy to answer. Without a proper financial plan, you won’t have the financial foundation to make your life plan (your dream life) a reality. Most yacht crew have dreams and ambitions. Being blunt,…

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salary of superyacht captain

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What is a Yacht Captain Salary?

Ian Fortey

As yachts get bigger they tend to require more crew members who are more skilled at their jobs and that includes a good yacht captain. The pay range for a yacht captain can vary greatly and for less experienced captains on smaller vessels it may start around $45,000 while it can range up to as much as $300,000 or more for very skilled captains on larger luxury yachts. 

Let’s take a look at what can affect a yacht captain’s salary and what you can expect to make (or pay) in this field.

Factors That Affect Yacht Captain’s Salary

salary of superyacht captain

Most people feel a yacht has to be at least 60 or so feet in length before it’s considered a yacht. The longest yacht in the world is the Azzam which is just shy of 600 feet long. You can imagine that the captain of the Azzam has to deal with more than the captain of a 60 foot yacht. As such, the Azzam’s captain is probably making more money.

Size of the vessel is arguably the biggest factor in what a yacht captain gets paid. You can divide yacht sizes up into three categories as it relates to yacht captains to get a better idea of the pay involved.

I’ve included some survey data here taken from Dockwalk and this was gleaned from information provided by 476 different yacht captains to give you  a pretty good idea of how much a captain makes at every single yacht size. 

Junior Captain

A Junior Captain would be captain of the smaller yachts that rank in around 60 feet up to 100 feet. Many yachts of this size may only have one or two crew members on board to help operate them. The captain of a smaller yacht like this could expect to make perhaps $45,000 to $98,000 per year or more. Obviously this can change on a case by case basis depending on the specific duties expected of the given captain.

These smaller yachts have less involved operations and are, in general, easier to run which is why the captain of a yacht of this size would likely get paid less.

Survey data from 2021 shows that most captains working on yachts in this size range average just over $8,000 per month. On the low end of that scale were yacht captains pulling in about $3,100 a month while the highest paid make around $20,000 per month. Yacht captains can also pull in gratuities as part of the crew and that averages out to around another $1,300 per month.

salary of superyacht captain

In the middle is a Captain of vessels that range from 100 feet all the way to 170 feet which is superyacht territory. These vessels can include a crew of several different members and will require more organization and skill to maintain and run smoothly. At this size a Captain can expect to be making anywhere from about $80,000 per year up to $180,000. 

Survey data from 2021 shows that, up to 140 feet, a superyacht captain can average about $10,100 per month. The lowest paid were making about $1,175 per month while the highest were again making around $20,000. You also pull in gratuities at this level that average just under $1,400 per month.

Yacht captains working vessels between 140 feet and about 190 feet were averaging $14,100 per month. At the low end of that scale you’re looking at $5,750 and it can go all the way up to $34,500 per month, so this is some serious money. If it’s a charter yacht, tips can reach nearly $3,000 a month as well.

Senior Master

A Senior Master is the captain of any yacht over 170 feet. This gets into megayacht territory at 200 feet and even gigayachts at 400+ feet. These captains have to be highly skill and managed not only massive crews that can include dozens of people, but a lot of more complex technology than the smaller vessels may be making use of. 

Because of the demands of this job, it’s clear that pay grades increase substantially as well which is why captains at this level can make between $140,000 and $300,000 every year. 

Survey data shows that between 180 feet and 240 feet, yacht captains had an average salary of just over $16,100 per month in 2021. That means a starting, low end salary of $9,200 per month which went all the way up to $23,250 per month. Tips closed in at just under $3,700 per month as well.

From 240 to 280 feet a yacht captain averaged just under $15,500 in 2021 which you’ll notice is oddly under the average for the next size down. The low end of the scale here paid just under $7,500 per month which is a good deal lower than the low end for slightly smaller vessels. On the high end captains were making $20,125. For whatever reason, yachts in this range just don’t pay as well as those in the 180 range, on average.

When you head to 280+ feet, the largest that the survey data was able to account for, yacht captains average about $20,500 per month. Remarkably, the low end here was $9,200 which is the same as vessels a full 100 feet shorter. However, on the high end some of these captains are making $32,000 per month. Factor in gratuities and that’s another $5,600 on average.

How Yacht Captains are Paid

salary of superyacht captain

Most yacht captains get paid on a monthly basis. There are freelance captains who may also work under different payment terms. One such captain who responded to the survey charged $38 per hour as a flat rate. If they were chartered for a week, that would work out to $6,384 per week assuming you expect your captain to be ready for duty 24/7 on the water.

What do the Yacht Crew Members Make?

Like the captain, crew members can make more money on larger vessels and their experience in the business and time at sea can also factor in. But in general, here are some average numbers for crew salaries to put things in perspective.

First Officer

On a smaller yacht under 100 feet a first officer may earn up to about $65,000 per year. On a much larger yacht over 200 feet they could expect $100,000+

Second Mate

The bosun mate on a smaller yacht can start earning around $45,000+ per year. On a larger yacht over 200 feet this can be bumped up to well over $65,000 per year.

At the low end of the scale, on a smaller yacht a deckhand may make around $40,000 per year. However, on a much larger yacht they could potentially earn up to $65,000 per year.

Chief Engineer

A chief engineer on a small yacht may earn as much as $80,000 per year or more. On larger yachts that top 200 feet this can get closer to $150,000 per year thanks to the much more complicated machinery they need to deal with. They may also need to repair things like jet skis.

Assistant Engineer

The assistant engineer is obviously not earning what the chief does but they can still start at $45,000 per year or so. On large yachts this can reach over $85,000.

Chief Steward

The purser on a smaller yacht can make between $54,000 and $60,000. On the larger vessels this salary can increase to over $80,000.

A steward may make as much as $42,000 on some smaller yachts while that could increase to as much as $65,000 or more on larger vessels. 

A trained chef can expect $60,000 on a small yacht and that can reach well over $105,000 on larger yachts. Many larger luxury yachts also bring in Michelin starred restaurant chefs to work for limited times and these chefs can earn quite a bit more. 

On yachts up to 100 feet, a cook can look forward to making perhaps $54,000 to $60,000 per year. On the high end of the scale, a cook on a large yacht over 200 feet might make over $84,000 per year.

Motor Yacht Captains vs Sailing Yacht Captains

salary of superyacht captain

On smaller yachts, the salary difference between sailing yachts and motor yachts captains is often negligible or non-existent. As vessel size increases, the salary of a sailing yacht captain will tend to outpace that of a motor yacht captain, sometimes by a lot. Larger sailing yachts are often harder to come by and require more specialized knowledge so a captain able to handle a 200 foot sailing yacht is rather rare. 

Jeff Bezos currently has the largest sailing yacht in the world at 416 feet while, as we said, the largest motor yacht is the Azzam at almost 600 feet. Though Bezos’ yacht has yet to hit the sea officially, we can assume her captain will be well compensated. 

The Bottom Line

Because yacht captains may perform a wide range of duties for their clients, their pay range can vary widely as well. The yachting industry is nothing if not malleable about things like duties, yacht operations and salary ranges. As long as a captain is skilled and experienced they can expect to make a decent salary regardless of the size of the vessel, but it will definitely increase considerably as the yacht size increases. As such, yacht captain salaries can range anywhere from $3,100 per month to $32,000 per month.

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Yacht Captain Salary: 5 Factors Impacting Earnings and Career Growth

Introduction to mega yacht captain's pay, 5 factors impacting yacht captain salaries, career advancement and salary growth, final thoughts about the yacht captain pay, introduction to mega yacht captain’s pay.

Yacht captains usually ask us “What is the usual Yacht captain pay?” well there is no one straight answer to what a is a yacht captain salary but we will dive into it soon enough.

Here in US Chandlery we know very well that yacht captains hold a unique and prestigious position in the maritime industry, responsible for the smooth operation and navigation of luxurious vessels that traverse the world’s most captivating waters. As with any profession, the remuneration for a yacht captain’s services is influenced by a myriad of factors. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of a yacht captain’s salary, exploring the average earnings, the key determinants affecting pay scales, and the potential for career advancement.

Understanding the Average Yacht Captain Salary

As of June 26, 2023, the average salary of a yacht captain stands at an impressive $107,281. This figure reflects the compensation for captains who have a balanced combination of experience, education, and additional qualifications. However, it is essential to note that this is just an average, and the actual salary range can be quite broad, spanning from $87,000 to $228,000.

Several critical factors play a role in determining the yacht captain salary range

1. Yacht captain’s experience –  Experience is one of the most influential factors in shaping a captain’s earning potential. A seasoned yacht captain with years of successful voyages and an impeccable track record is likely to command a higher salary than someone just starting in the field.

2. Education and Certifications –  Yacht captains with advanced degrees in maritime studies, nautical science, or related fields, along with essential certifications such as a Master’s License, are more likely to earn higher salaries. These qualifications demonstrate competence and proficiency in handling the responsibilities of a yacht captain.

3. Additional Skills – Specialized skills, such as expertise in luxury hospitality, navigational technology, multilingual proficiency, and marine engineering, can significantly enhance a captain’s earning potential. Captains with a diverse skill set are sought after by yacht owners who value versatility and expertise.

4. Type and Size of Yacht –   The type and size of the yacht under a captain’s command can also impact their salary. Captains of larger, more luxurious mega yachts may earn higher compensation due to the complexity and responsibility associated with managing such vessels.

5. Geographic Location –  The geographic location of the yacht and the nature of the voyages undertaken can influence a captain’s earnings. Captains who sail in high-demand destinations or frequently traverse exclusive regions may command higher salaries.

The yacht captain profession career advancement and salary growth

1. Progression to Larger Yachts –  As a captain gains experience and expertise, they may be entrusted with the helm of larger and more opulent yachts. Managing bigger vessels often comes with higher compensation and increased prestige.

2. Promotions within the Yachting Industry – Some yacht captains may choose to transition into managerial roles within the yachting industry. These positions, such as fleet managers or yacht brokers, can offer competitive salaries and diverse career paths.

3. Reputation and Referrals –  A captain’s reputation within the industry can significantly impact their earning potential. Captains who garner positive reviews from charter guests and owners are more likely to attract high-paying opportunities through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.

4. Continual Professional Development –  Staying up to date with industry trends and pursuing continuous professional development can enhance a captain’s skill set and, subsequently, their market value. Investing in relevant courses and certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions.

Here is a very nice Vlog by Tristan Mortlock, definitely someone you would like to subscribe to his channel.

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The salary of a yacht captain is a reflection of their experience, education, additional skills, and the size and type of yacht they command. While the average salary for a yacht captain is currently $107,281, this figure can vary significantly based on the aforementioned factors.

For aspiring yacht captains, the key to achieving a successful and rewarding career lies in pursuing relevant education, obtaining essential certifications, and accumulating valuable experience. By constantly improving their skill set and embracing new opportunities for growth, yacht captains can chart a course towards greater financial rewards and recognition within the esteemed world of luxury yachting. 

You can look for open positions and see live position openings for yacht captain salary.

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Salary is generally one of the top motivators when choosing a job onboard a yacht, yet it is usually one of the best-kept secrets within the industry.

When negotiating the final salary, it's important that both the employer and employee have an idea of what the standard is for that particular position. This will help keep the transparency and build trust.

To keep their finger on the pulse of the industry and understand the changes that are happening within, YPI CREW set off to launch the yachtingsalaries. com website in 2016. There, every crew member in the industry is welcome to enter their yacht crew salaries along with the position they serve on a yacht. The process is completely anonymous and serves as a way of monitoring the industry's yacht crew salary movements. Yacht crew can also visit the site to check the anonymous data their peers have entered for reference.

The Importance of Yacht Crew Salaries Reports

Informed employers recognise that in order to attract the top level of talent and experience for a particular role, one of the strongest influences they have is the salary they can offer. To stay competitive within the yachting industry you have to offer competitive yacht crew salaries that reflect the current marketplace. And in order to do this, you have to know what the current market rate is.

Equally, employees can use a yacht crew salary report such as this as a guide point to get an idea if a job offer is reflective of the industry and the role they serve.

The Crew Salaries Data and How We Collect It

In 2016, YPI CREW launched a peer-to-peer salary comparison website for the yachting industry. Here, anyone working in the industry is welcome to anonymously enter their yacht crew salary along with their rank.

has so far attracted over 5.655 entries since its launch in 2016, providing an informative yacht crew salary guide for employers and employees. Best of all, the salary data is free for anyone to access.

The figures shown here are median values of the real salaries entered by yacht crew. They can be used as orientational figures but the real salary offered during the recruitment process will vary depending on the candidate's experience, training, certificates, and additional skills. This is why, when looking for work, it's important to have someone guiding you and championing your skills and experience.

All yacht crew salaries are expressed in euros. Please note that the blanks in the graphs are due to either lack of entries for that particular category or the nonexistence of a role in a specific segment. For example, there are generally no third officers on yachts smaller than 50 meters.

To visit the site to contribute your salary or conduct a free search of the salary database, visit

Data presented here is collected from anonymous yacht crew members. It should not be seen as a definite portrayal of the current market but merely an informal indication.

As salary data is entered by members of the community the site works on an honesty system. There is really no incentive for contributors to mislead people about what they earn. Any inflated or inconsistent salary entries can be 'flagged' as suspicious by other members of the community or by YPI CREW and quickly removed from the system to ensure the accuracy of data is maintained.

Yacht Captain Salaries

347 captains have contributed their salaries. Of those, 287 (82%) are working on motor yachts and 60 (18%) on sailing yachts. This is coherent with the ratio of the global world yacht fleet. 83% of which are motor yachts and 17% are sailing yachts. Overall, only 33% of captains who contributed are on rotation. Rotation usually, if and when available, starts on yachts over 50m. When talking about sailing yachts, we didn't receive any entries for sailing yachts above the 51-65m segment. Also, salaries were on average slightly lower on sailing yachts compared to same-sized motor yachts.

Yacht Captains present the most senior management of a yacht, which is obviously reflected in the salary they command. Expectedly, with the size of the yacht increasing, so do salaries.

Experienced recruiters are invaluable at this level as they can definitely add value in the salary negotiation stage; it is their role to act as a middle person to ensure that, when a job offer is made, it is to all parties' satisfaction and is therefore accepted. They not only know how best to champion captains, their skills and experience at interview stage; they help craft and finesse a deal.

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Motor Yacht Captains

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Sailing Yacht Captains

Deck Crew Salaries

214 Deck Crew have contributed their salaries, broken down as 116 Chief Officers, 16 Second Officers, 12 Third Officers, and 64 Deckhands.

From the data, we see that fewer Chief Officers (43%) reported having a rotational position compared to Second Engineers (57%). However, they reportedly benefit more from rotation than Captains who are at 33%.

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for First or Chief Officers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Second Officers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Third Officers or Bosuns

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Yacht Deckhands

Engineer Salaries

279 technical crew have contributed; 162 Chief Engineers, 60 Second Engineers, 16 Third Engineers, and 25 ETO/AVIT.

Overall, many more Engineers reported being on rotation than Captains. We see that 72% of Chief Engineers, 57% of Second Engineers and 56% of Third Engineers are rotational, along with 88% of ETO/AVIT Engineers.

For Chief Engineers we note that beyond the 66 – 80m segment, there is no data for permanent salaries. This reflects the engineering recruitment market where in fact, from +65m upwards, the market is rotation only, apart from a few exceptions. The same goes for Second Engineers and ETOs where permanent contracts on +65m yachts are for build contracts only. It is our experience that the market is rotation-only for Engineers on operational yachts over 65m.

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Chief Engineers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Second Engineers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Third Engineers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for ETO, AVI & Electrical Engineers

Chef Salaries

65 yacht Chefs contributed with their salaries, of which 50 were Head Chefs and 15 Sous Chefs.

It is our experience that at the point of recruitment on yachts +50m, most yacht Chef jobs offer some sort of rotation, so it surprising that only 26 % of Chefs who contributed are on rotation.

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Yacht Head Chefs

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Sous Chefs

Pursers & Stews

34 Pursers, 61 Chief Stews, and 22 Second Stews contributed their salaries.

Pursers, after Engineers, are the category who most have access to rotation. 59% of Pursers reported having rotation whilst only 18% of Chief Stews said they benefit from that perk.

Our experience is that in the past year, perhaps due to Covid-19, salaries offered to Stews were somewhat lower than the year before.

This underlines again the added value of registering and teaming up with recruiters who have their fingers on the pulse and are able to assist in negotiating the best conditions for job offers. Each situation is unique. Likewise, the same recruiters will advise Captains on the state of the crew market and how to position themselves in terms of conditions and salary to attract the best suitable, interested and available candidates

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Yacht Pursers

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Chief Stews and Stewardesses

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Second Stews and Stewardesses

salary of superyacht captain

2020 Yacht Crew Salaries for Yacht Stews and Stewardesses

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Yacht captain salary guide

Key takeaways

How much does a yacht captain Earn?

Based on recent studies the average yacht captain salary is 8200€ per month. currently the average yacht captains salary is 101,056€ as of 04 august 2022. salary ranges may vary greatly depending on many important factors such as education, certificate, additional skills and the number of years spent in a position..

  • From 20 to 30m the average yacht captain salary is 5000€ per month
  • From 30m to 40m the average yacht captain salary is 7000€ per month
  • From 40m to 50m the average yacht captain salary is 9000€ per month
  • From 50m to 60m  the average  yacht captain salary is 11000€ per month
  • From 50m to 60m the average yacht captain salary is 11000€ per month
  • From 60m to 70m the average yacht captain salary is 13000€ per month
  • From 70m to 80m the average yacht captain salary is 15000€ per month
  • From 80m+ the average yacht captain salary is 17000€ per month

A quick yacht captain salary guide

Captains and other yacht crew members get the privilege of traveling to  amazing destinations  around the world with different guest groups. They eat world-class meals and enjoy other glamorous perks.Above all, they get paid handsomely for their efforts.

It is very common for a captain to receive six figure annual salaries with many bonuses and other incentives. These yacht captains are some of the highest-paid people on earth often earning more than airline pilots! As you can imagine, working as a captain might be one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever hold.

However, if you’re considering a life at sea as captain, you should first know what the salary range might be for someone in your position. We have devised this quick article to give you an idea of how much a yacht captain gets paid and where they typically work.

Super yacht captain is said to be one of the best jobs in the world.

The yacht captain shall be responsible in chief for safety and navigation on a yacht. Responsibilities include management of all members of the team and maintaining the satisfaction of the owner and their guests. It can be stressful work but it is rewarding with close owners relationships and high financial compensation.

What is a average yacht captain salary range?

Currently the average yacht captains salary is 101,056€ as of 27 September 2021. Salary ranges may vary greatly depending on many important factors such as education, certificate, additional skills and the number of years spent in a position.

But there is a lot of hard work and training involved to achieve this high-level career. To become a yacht captain you must have extensive training and experience. You will receive formal training which will take years of both classroom time at certified schools as well as on-the-job-training.

You can expect to learn about navigation, safety procedures, engineering, deck operations, boat handling, maintenance and more. It is essential that you understand marine laws and environmental conservation rules.

Some captains also choose to take additional classes or certifications such as: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, First Aid and CPR, the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), Radar Operator and so on .

Do yacht captain work full time or rotation?

This also depends on the size of the yacht and the nature to the operation. In general, Yachts over 60m will have rotational heads of departments.

How Much Does a Yacht Captain Make?

There is no straight forward answer to this question.

While the life of a yacht captain may appear glamorous, there is a lot going on  behind the scenes  that makes it more demanding. While luxury and leisure are a part of the job, it is rightfully earned.

Yacht captains carry vast responsibility on their shoulders at all times. The captain acts as the president or CEO of the vessel—while there are other crew onboard all working towards the goal of a safe ship, any issues fall back on the person in charge.

The base salary for a yacht captain job can range from €4,000 and €6,000 per month—to more than €18,000—depending on the size of the yacht. But, additional compensation is earned in the form of tips and other benefits.

Yacht Captain Salary Range Breakdown

Salary guidelines for yacht captains tend to fall into the following ranges. They are organized by vessel length, as the complexity of the position increases with yacht length.

For example, a Junior Captain would likely be found handling a ship 20 meters to 30 meters in length. A Captain might be manning a ship 30 meters to 50 meters feet in length. Finally, a Senior Master would be found in charge of vessels 50 meters to 60 meters and greater.

Typical salary ranges per charter for these sizes are detailed below.

Furthermore, these figures vary within the range depending on owner and guest use, qualifications for the position, and the vessel’s itinerary.

Licensing to be a yacht captain

Licensing is crucial to becoming a captain, but simply studying and taking certifications alone is not enough, you also need a considerable of sea time and nautical miles.

Each step of the licensing classifications carries an experience mandate to ensure individuals are ready for the responsibility of the position.

As previously mentioned, one of the most influential factors in determining a yacht captain salary is the license held and the size of the yacht.

Throughout this program, captains learn topics including:

  • Navigational rules
  • Navigation aids
  • Chart plotting
  • Electronic navigation
  • Characteristics of weather systems
  • Lifesaving equipment and safety

Typical yacht captain salary and Compensation

Base salary is important, of course. But it is not the only area that goes into yacht captain salaries on luxury yachts.

In addition to their salary, a chunk of the money for both a captain and other crew member compensation comes from tips.

In particular, captains typically earn 10 to 15 per cent of the charter price in tips.

As with other career paths, there are various benefits in addition to yacht captain salaries and tips. These benefits include:

  • Health insurance
  • Flight expenses
  • Paid vacation time
  • Training and certification cost reimbursement

Plus, while on the vessel, food and supplies are typically included as well on top of the yacht captain salary.

The Responsibilities of a Yacht Captain

While it’s true yacht captains can earn six-figure salaries, this comes with a great deal of responsibility.

They are ultimately responsible for all matters of the vessel, personnel, guest well-being safety and pretty everything related to the yacht operations . This includes:

  • Following yacht owner instructions
  • Scheduling and rotating ports each month depending on guests
  • Crew Hiring, supervision, and dismissal
  • Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance
  • All aspects of navigation—including plotting a safe course, departing, following said course, and docking
  • Managing vessel maintenance
  • Managing the ship’s finances
  • Securing goods and services for the vessel

To be successful in this career path, captains must be quick on their feet. They must maintain a problem-solving mindset at all times, to ensure the safety of the vessel and everyone on board.

But at the same time, these individuals must be extremely personable. Whether it be interacting with the owner, guests, or crew, the captain’s communication and management skills must be top-notch. This way, everyone is on the same page about the given expectations. They must work well with the management company.

As a captain, you are also in charge of crewing the vessel. This means you are responsible for hiring, training, and developing the skills of your fellow co-workers.

While this may not be the main responsibility of the captain, it is important to work together with others on board to ensure everyone’s goals are aligned.

With this in mind, it’s important to thoroughly vet every individual who works on your ship. Using a managed  hiring agency  to vet these individuals ahead of time is one of the most effective ways to screen potential hires.

Be sure to carefully review these agencies, as well. With so much on the line, it’s critical that they remain professional yet tailor their services to your needs. A crew placement agencies should come  well-reviewed  to ensure the success of the staffing process. Lighthouse careers often has exiting vacancies for yacht captain’s job.

Yacht Captain Resources

We have covered the typical yacht captain salary question and how much money can be made for such positions.

For more information on positions available in Europe and other areas, or for managed staff recruitment services,  contact us  today.

If you want to find out more about yacht crew salaries, feel free to use this quick salary calculator

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Different Salaries of Yacht Crew Jobs

People working on a yacht can earn extras, different position in a yacht crew, different salary.

  • 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€ +

Picture

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Captain Glenn Shepard uses ‘Bosun’ throwback for Season 5 tease

Captain Glenn Shephard on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Captain Glenn Shephard has given fans a few things to discuss.

Captain Glenn quickly became a fan favorite when the hit sailing show was revamped for Season 2.

However, today, the captain has become one of the most beloved members of the Below Deck family.

Recently, Captain Glenn had Instagram buzzing after he shared a throwback photo from him as a bosun, where he was looking very serious with his sunglasses on and posed.

“Back in my Bosun days. Had a bit more hair back then 😂 No idea why I was so serious for this one 😎,” he captioned the picture.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Captain Glenn Shephard (@capt_glennshephard)

It didn’t take long for the comments section of the IG post to become flooded with replies gushing over Captain Glenn.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Captain Glenn teases Season 5

In the comments section, Captain Glenn replied to several comments, one of which was asking about the next season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

“not til late spring early summer.” Captain Glenn replied.

Captain Glenn BDS Season 5 comment

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 won’t hit Bravo airwaves until Below Deck Season 11 wraps up. The season has only just begun, with plenty more drama to play out before we get to the hit sailing show.

Captain Glenn also had fun when one fan asked why all the Below Deck captains are so hot.

“Smoke and mirrors?” he wrote.

Captain Glenn BD hot captain reply

Aside from those comments, several Below Deck Sailing Yacht fans happily gushed over a young Captain Glenn. The consensus was that he looked hot and yummy.

“Love this, Bosun Glenn!” declared one Captain Glenn fan.

BDS fans gush over young Captain Glenn

Here’s what else we know about Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5

While fans are anxiously waiting for Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5, there are a few things we know. For one, Daisy Kelliher and Gary King are back for another stint following their Season 4 rift.

How Gary will be portrayed or how involved he is in the season remains up in the air following allegations of sexual assault against him that came out after filming wrapped last summer.

Sadly, Colin MacRae won’t return for another season amid his falling out with Daisy. It’s unclear if it’s because of things that unfolded between him, Gary, and Daisy or if he simply wanted to sail his newly restored catamaran.

In other Below Deck Sailing Yacht news, Daisy has built a friendship with Hollywood A-lister Christina Appelgate .

Are you ready for Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5?

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is currently on hiatus on Bravo. Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Peacock.

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salary of superyacht captain

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Captain Glenn Shephard Shares a Surprising Throwback Photo (Hint: He "Had More Hair Back Then")

Our jaws dropped at this photo of the  Below Deck Sailing Yacht  captain from his "Bosun days." 

salary of superyacht captain

OK,  Captain Glenn Shephard  just shared an incredible throwback photo we didn't know we needed. 

How to Watch

Watch Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Peacock and the Bravo app . 

On February 27, the  Below Deck Sailing Yacht  captain took to his Instagram page to reveal an old photo of himself before he was a captain — in his "Bosun days," to be specific. 

Keep scrolling to get all the details! 

Captain Glenn Shephard shares a surprising throwback photo 

"Back in my Bosun days. Had a bit more hair back then," Glenn captioned an old photo of himself pictured in a dark-colored T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, and, yes, a "bit more hair" compared to today.

Captain Glenn Shephard and João Franco Were "All Smiles" on a Double Date with Their Girlfriends

As the  BDSY  boss explained, the ocean backdrop photo was from his days before he was a captain. "No idea why I was so serious for this one," Glenn joked about his earnest expression in the photo. 

More From Bravo: 

Does Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Dani Soares Have a New Boyfriend? We Examine the Photo Evidence

Daisy and Colin Reveal the Truth About What Happened After Filming BDSY Season 4

Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Alli Dore Welcomes Her Baby: See the First Pics

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Captain Glenn Shephard (@capt_glennshephard)

If you ask us, Glenn looks great then and now!

Captain Glenn Shephard responds to criticism on his “age difference” with his girlfriend, Dani

The last time we caught up with the captain was back in November 2023 when he had a few things to say about commentators discussing his relationship with girlfriend   Danelis “Dani” Jimenez . 

Captain Glenn Shephard Defends His Relationship with Girlfriend Danelis and Their “Age Difference”

FYI: Dani is 19 years younger than Glenn. With that in mind, apparently some people have criticized the couple's relationship due to their age gap. Glenn, however, wasn't having the negativity and set the record straight in a  November 21 Instagram  post. 

Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Captain Glenn Shephard smiles as girlfriend Danelis Jimenez touches his shoulder.

“Some here have commented that Danelis looks like my daughter or I’m old enough to be her dad,” Glenn stated. “I knew this apparent age difference would be an issue for some, but my feeling is when you find someone who you click with that is perfect in every other way, when it comes to love and happiness, I can think of no other best time to throw caution to the wind,” Captain Glenn shared about his partner. “Like I always say, life is short and you only die once and when you do, you stay that way for a very long time.”

Glenn concluded his post with a final thought, writing, “To all of you who have maybe had that thought and chose to keep it to yourselves, thank you.”

  • Glenn Shephard

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Black-market booze cruise captain Ben Jones sentenced in federal case

salary of superyacht captain

A Detroit yacht captain convicted of running an illegal charter on Lake St. Clair was sentenced Tuesday to three years probation following a crime that prosecutors said endangered passengers and highlighted boater safety in the Great Lakes state.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy also ordered Detroiter Benjamin Jones to serve eight hours of community service each month for the next two years and prohibited him from operating a charter business without the proper licensing, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The sentence comes four months after he pleaded guilty to violating the terms of a U.S. Coast Guard order that he stop operating an unlicensed charter cruise that he advertised on Instagram.

Jones defied the order, warned a Coast Guard official they would be "f----- up" and endangered the lives of passengers during an unsanctioned cruise, prosecutors said.

The charge carries  a maximum sentence  of six years in federal prison. While advisory guidelines called for, at worst,  a six-month sentence , Jones's lawyers requested a $100 fine and no prison time.

Jones is remorseful and recognizes he used poor judgment, his lawyers said, arguing that lifelong punishment as a felon is sufficient.

Prosecutors wanted Jones to serve some time under court supervision and requested he conform with boating laws and regulations while being banned from carrying paying passengers without the proper maritime credentials.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office declined comment. There was no immediate comment from Jones's lawyer, Casey Swanson.

Black-market booze cruise captain Ben Jones faces reckoning after drama on the low seas

There have been a few cases nationally in recent years that have resulted in prison sentences for offenders ranging from probation to one year in prison.

That includes the case of a Texas man sentenced in November to one year in prison for operating an illegal charter cruise business. The man lied to investigators about having paying passengers and told the passengers to lie if questioned by Coast Guard personnel.

Jones is the owner of a 39-foot Sea Ray named "The PWR Tower" but does not have a merchant mariner credential — a prerequisite for operating paid charter cruises.

In May 2021, U.S. Coast Guard officials launched an investigation of Jones after getting tips that he was operating an illegal charter and posting advertisements on social media. Investigators learned about one charter on May 25, 2021, boarded Jones' boat and found 23 people aboard.

Coast Guard officials issued Jones a violation for operating a commercial vessel without a license and an order from the captain of the port to stop operating as a commercial vessel until obtaining credentials.

Two months later, at 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2021, a Coast Guard crew received a call about a boat fire on Lake St. Clair. Crew members found "The PWR Tower" near Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms with Jones and nine passengers.

They were rescued and Jones was charged initially in June 2022 with violating the captain's order and making false statements. He pleaded guilty in October.

[email protected]

X: @robertsnellnews

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  2. How much does a yacht captain make?

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  3. The Superyacht Crew Salary Guide 2022

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  4. Yacht Captain careers

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  5. How Much Does a Yacht Captain Earn?

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  6. INSIDER MAGAZINE: WA’s Brendan O’Shannassy’s eye-opening glimpse into

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COMMENTS

  1. Superyacht Captain salary survey 2023

    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 ...

  2. How Much Does a Yacht Captain Make?

    29 Mar 2016. The salary of a yacht captain is based on tenure, experience and licensing. Captains of luxury yachts command a base salary well into six figures. Dependent on the length of the vessel, tenure of experience, and level of licensing yacht captain salaries range from $48,000 to over $300,000. As the length of yachts increases, the ...

  3. 2022 Superyacht Crew Salary Survey

    The Results of the 2022 Salary Survey. Our annual salary survey provided some unprecedented insights to what captains and crew earned in 2022. As restrictions eased and the world opened up more, owners and guests have wanted to spend more time on board, and boats are, once again, willing to fly crew in. With some crew swallowing the anchor and ...

  4. What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht?

    So how much should a Captain on a superyacht get paid? Recently I did a salary survey of Captains which went into significant detail regarding yacht size, program, leave, pay reviews, bonuses, flights and additional perks. 186 Captains responded so we had an excellent spread of data to work with.

  5. The Superyacht Crew Salary Guide 2022

    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.

  6. How Much Does a Yacht Captain Earn?

    Yachts Between 60ft and 99ft. According to data from the 2021 Salary Survey, captains working on vessels between 60- and 99-feet were earning an average of $8,002.01 per month, with a range of $3,105 to $20,000 per month. The average monthly tips earned by captains on yachts available for charter in this range was $1,374.

  7. Yacht Captain Salary

    The average Yacht Captain salary is $108,955 as of January 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $88,473 and $124,919. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

  8. Super Yacht Captain Salary

    The information above enables you to determine the salary you can request, and help you negotiate where needed. To summarize, here are the numbers you should keep in mind: 20-40m boat - €5,000 to €10,000 per month based on experience and certifications; 40-60m boat - €7,000 to €16,000 per month based on experience and certifications; 60 ...

  9. How Much Do Superyacht Crew Earn? (An In-Depth Look)

    For instance, the captain of a superyacht can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, while other crew members may earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 annually. Finally, the experience level of the crew also plays an important role in determining salaries.

  10. Salary: Luxury Yacht Captain in United States 2023

    The estimated total pay for a Luxury Yacht Captain is $91,582 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $84,174 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $7,408 ...

  11. Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

    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

  12. How Much Do Yacht Captains Make? (Numbers & Examples)

    Different Ranges of Salaries for Yacht Captains. If you are a captain that is operating boats that range from 60 to 100 feet, the salary range would be between $48,000 and $100,000 per year. A captain who operates vessels between 100 and 130 feet, can earn a salary between $90,000 and $140,000 per year.

  13. SuperyachtNews.com

    In the 100-metre-plus segment, salaries stand at around €20,000 for both private and charter, a €3,500 jump from the 90-99 metre category. At the other end of the scale, wages range between €14,251 to €12,399, which is around €3,000 more than on board sub-39 metre yachts. Time for time rotation has also grown in popularity on all ...

  14. Yacht Captain Salary in 2024

    The average salary for a Yacht Captain is $84,988 in 2024. Visit PayScale to research yacht captain salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more.

  15. What Determines a Superyacht Captain's Salary?

    The salaries listed here are indications based on our experience of the superyacht industry. They may not reflect your actual salary. All in all, your salary as a superyacht captain will be anywhere between Eur/USD 50,000 and Eur/USD 300,000. On top of that, you could also receive tips. Money is only one part of crew salaries.

  16. Salary: Yacht Captain in United States 2024

    The estimated total pay for a Yacht Captain is $117,139 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $93,028 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $24,110 per ...

  17. What is a Yacht Captain Salary?

    Survey data shows that between 180 feet and 240 feet, yacht captains had an average salary of just over $16,100 per month in 2021. That means a starting, low end salary of $9,200 per month which went all the way up to $23,250 per month. Tips closed in at just under $3,700 per month as well. From 240 to 280 feet a yacht captain averaged just ...

  18. PDF SALARY GUIDELINES

    Every yacht operates under different guidelines with different roles and responsibilities and we do see a wide range of salaries as being valid for identical job titles. Salary ranges listed are per month. CAPTAIN CAPTAIN SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS: Senior Master 170ft - 200ft + $12,000 - $25,000+

  19. Yacht Captain Salary: 5 Factors Impacting Earnings and Career Growth

    The salary of a yacht captain is a reflection of their experience, education, additional skills, and the size and type of yacht they command. While the average salary for a yacht captain is currently $107,281, this figure can vary significantly based on the aforementioned factors.

  20. YPI CREW Yacht Crew Salaries Report 2020

    Yacht Captain Salaries. 347 captains have contributed their salaries. Of those, 287 (82%) are working on motor yachts and 60 (18%) on sailing yachts. This is coherent with the ratio of the global world yacht fleet. 83% of which are motor yachts and 17% are sailing yachts. Overall, only 33% of captains who contributed are on rotation.

  21. The ultimate yacht captain salary guide

    From 20 to 30m the average yacht captain salary is 5000€ per month. From 30m to 40m the average yacht captain salary is 7000€ per month. From 40m to 50m the average yacht captain salary is 9000€ per month. From 50m to 60m the average yacht captain salary is 11000€ per month. From 50m to 60m the average yacht captain salary is 11000 ...

  22. Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023

    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 ...

  23. Yacht Crew Salaries: Are You Paying Appropriately?

    Specifically, the salaries were 7,000 to 8,000 euros ($7,600 to $8,700) vs. 3,500 to 4,000 euros ($3,800 to $4,400). Since on-deck positions range from captains to entry-level deckhands, yacht crew salaries here span a wide range. Notably, captains for 328-foot-plus (100-meter-plus) megayachts can get bonuses on top of an average 18,000 euros ...

  24. Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Captain Glenn Shepard uses 'Bosun

    Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Captain Glenn Shephard has given fans a few things to discuss. Captain Glenn quickly became a fan favorite when the hit sailing show was revamped for Season 2.

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    Our jaws dropped at this photo of the Below Deck Sailing Yacht captain from his "Bosun days." By Cynthia Robinson Mar 1, 2024, 6:01 AM ET Captain Glenn Shephard on How He Got into Yachting

  26. Black-market Detroit yacht captain Ben Jones sentenced in federal case

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