Yacht Crew Salary Guide: How Much Do Stewardesses, Deckhands & Captains Earn?

How much do yacht crew actually earn? It is the first question most aspiring crew ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on your role, the size of the vessel, your experience, and whether you are on a private or charter yacht. This guide breaks down realistic monthly salary ranges so you can plan your career on the water. A quick note on the numbers The figures below are monthly base salaries in euros, the standard currency across the Mediterranean fleet. Pay is typically tax-advantaged because you live aboard with food and accommodation covered, so your base salary is close to your take-home. Charter yachts also pay tips, which can add significantly to your annual income. Junior Stewardess / Steward Entry-level interior crew with little or no experience can expect roughly 2,500 to 3,500 EUR per month. Once you have a season under your belt and strong service, housekeeping or barista skills, this climbs toward 3,500 to 4,500 EUR. A Chief Stewardess running a large interior team on a superyacht can earn 6,000 to 8,000 EUR or more. Deckhand A green deckhand typically starts around 2,500 to 3,500 EUR per month. With an STCW certificate, a Powerboat Level 2, watersports tickets and a season of experience, you move toward 3,500 to 4,500 EUR. Progressing to Bosun or Mate with a Yachtmaster or OOW ticket pushes pay into the 5,000 to 9,000 EUR range depending on vessel size. Chef A competent cook on a smaller yacht starts around 3,500 to 5,000 EUR. An experienced sole chef or head chef on a larger charter vessel commands 6,000 to 10,000 EUR or more, with the strongest chefs on busy charter boats earning well beyond that. Captain Captain salaries scale heavily with vessel length. On a 24 to 30 metre yacht a captain might earn 7,000 to 10,000 EUR per month. On a 40 to 50 metre vessel that rises to 12,000 to 18,000 EUR, and captains of 60 metre-plus superyachts can earn 18,000 to 25,000 EUR and above. How tips work On charter yachts, guests customarily tip 5 to 15 percent of the charter fee, shared among the crew. During a busy summer season this can add several thousand euros to your earnings. Private (non-charter) yachts generally do not pay regular tips, but often offer slightly higher base salaries and a calmer schedule. What affects your pay the most 1. Vessel size — larger yachts mean larger budgets and higher salaries. 2. Charter vs private — charter pays tips; private pays steadier base. 3. Experience and references — repeat seasons and strong references raise your rate quickly. 4. Certifications — STCW, ENG1 medical, and role-specific tickets are non-negotiable and unlock better positions. 5. The season — Mediterranean summer (May to September) and Caribbean winter (November to April) are peak hiring windows. How to increase your earning potential The fastest way to grow your salary is to get qualified, get your first season, and build a reputation for reliability. Completing your STCW Basic Safety Training and ENG1 medical is the entry ticket. From there, role-specific courses — interior service and housekeeping for stew roles, deck and navigation tickets for deckhands — separate you from the crowd. Ready to start your yachting career? Explore our courses and crew placement support to take the first step toward a well-paid role on board.