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Yacht Jobs

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Salary Guide

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How to use the data presented here

The table has been drawn up with the information collated with figures from the past year within various yacht departments. Please note that they an indication only of starting salaries and the actual salary will vary depending on multiple factors.

Many elements need to be taken into consideration with regards to yacht crew salaries and not just the size of the yacht. The type of yacht (motor or sail), its usage (private, charter or both) and cruising schedule will influence the salary offered. Additionally, key elements of the candidate’s profile must also be reviewed, what is their previous experience, how long have they been in a particular role, have they recently acquired a new qualification, and do they have a specialised skill set that will influence the salary negotiation?

The highlighted section corresponds to yachts who offer a scheduled leave or rotational package.

Salaries here need to be modulated in accordance with the type of rotation offered, 5:1; 3:1 or 2:2 for example. There may be several different rotational schemes on a particular yacht, 5:1 for the junior crew, 3:1 for the intermediary position and full rotation for positions of responsibility.

The rotational salary is generally only a reduced monthly reduction (between 10 and 20%) and allows for a larger pool of candidates who are fully committed to the yacht, its programme and owner.

For many key roles, professional qualifications are the basis to establishing a guideline salary, notably in the Engineering  and Officer’s Department.

Following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the yachting industry in 2020, the past 2021 was considered the year of revival for yacht crew placement.

With regards to salaries, the market saw a return to stability and no major new trends were recorded. There is always increased pressure to offer a scheduled leave or rotational scheme that now starts with yachts in the 40 to 50 metre range.

HOW MUCH DOES YACHT CREW EARN

Yacht Crew Salary Guide

The yachting industry is more appealing than ever, but it comes with its own set of challenges. With so many candidates available, the task is to match the right talent with the right yacht efficiently.

 

In this evolving market, crew members are prioritising a balanced work-life dynamic. While salaries and leave packages in yachting are usually competitive, flexibility is now crucial for attracting top-notch crew. Offering more flexibility in leave allows for a broader selection of candidates who are dedicated to the yacht, its schedule and its owner.

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Key trends in superyacht crew recruitment

  • Offering Competitive Compensation Packages

Salaries and leave packages remain a crucial factor in attracting skilled crew members. Highly qualified crew are seeking packages that accurately reflect their expertise, certifications and the value they bring to their roles onboard.

 

  • Preference for Work-Life Balance

The desire for a better work-life balance continues to be prevalent among superyacht crew. This includes preferences for rotational positions that allow for scheduled time off, as well as yachts with itineraries that offer a good mix of guest-on and guest-off periods. Employers are responding by adjusting leave schedules and offering more flexible contracts to attract and retain top talent.

 

  • Emphasis on Soft Skills

While technical prowess remains crucial, there's a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills. Attributes such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability are increasingly emphasised during the recruitment process, reflecting the collaborative nature of yacht crew work and the premium placed on guest experience.

 

  • Underscoring Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, conversations are developing around sustainable practices. This includes expertise in managing waste, reducing emissions and operating advanced environmental technology on board.

Deck Department

 All the Captain and Officer salaries will depend on experience and maritime qualifications.

* On smaller yachts the First Officer is generally referred to as the Mate or First Mate. On yachts over 100m / 3000GT there are often two distinct roles for a First Officer and a Chief Officer.

** Specialised Deckhand positions will englobe a Deckhand Tender Driver, Kite Surfer, Carpenter, Diver etc.

Sole/Chief Engineer:

  • For 30m — 40m the salary is based on the candidates holding an AEC/Y4

  • For 40m — 50m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw

  • For 50m — 70m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y2 / SV Chief 9000kw

  • For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y1 / SV Chief 9000kw

  • For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y1/Class I

  • For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a Class I

 

Second Engineer:

  • For 40m — 50m the salary is based on the candidates holding an AEC

  • For 50m — 70m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw and on rotation. If the role is permanent then an EOOW qualification is required and the salary would be 5 000—6 500€

  • For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y3 / SV Chief 3000kw

  • For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a Y2/Class II

  • For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a Class I/Class II

 

Third Engineer:

  • For 70m — 80m the salary is based on the candidates holding a AEC

  • For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding an EOOW - equal rotation or 4:2 for example

  • For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding an EOOW - equal rotation or 4:2 for example

 

Motorman:

  • For 80m — 100m the salary is based on the candidates holding a STCW III/4

  • For 100m+ the salary is based on the candidates holding a STCW III/4

Please note that the salaries below are an indication only of starting salaries and that the actual salary will vary depending on multiple factors; job specific skills, professional qualifications and experience. ​

 

YPI CREW now offers a bespoke service for our yacht clients to assist with salary reviews and comparative analysis. Contact chloe@ypicrew.com for any further information.

Download the newest Crew Recruitment Market Report

Download the YPI CREW Recruitment Market Report for an in-depth analysis of current trends in superyacht crew recruitment. Gain valuable insights into the market dynamics and trends specific to each department, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry landscape.

Are you looking for yacht crew for your yacht?

Contact our recruiters who will strive to find the perfect fit to your existing crew by presenting suitable, available and interested candidates, who will be pre-interviewed and credentials checked.​

You can get in touch with us today by clicking here.

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Engineering Department

Chef Department

* No yachting experience

** Rotational positions start at 6 000€ while non-rotational positions start at 7 000€
*** Combined Cook/Stew or Cook/Deck role
**** Lower end refers to crew with no yachting experience

***** Rotational positions start at 4 500€ while non-rotational positions start at 5 000€

More and more yachts, from 30m+, are offering rotation at all levels in the galley in order to secure the best candidate on the market. 

Interior Department

Specialist Positions

Below 30m

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

100m +

Captain

Chief Officer

First Officer*

Second Officer

Third Officer

Bosun

Specialised Deckhand**

Deckhand Junior

4 500—6 000

45–60 days

3 500—4 500

45–60 days

2 800—3 000

45 days

6 000—9 000

45–60 days

3 500—5 500

45–60 days

3 500—4 500

50 days

3 250

50 days

2 800—3 000

45 days

8 000—13 000

45–60 days or equal rotation

5 500—7 000

45–60 days

3 500—4 500

50–60 days

3 800—4 000

50–60 days

2 800—3 000

50–60 days

9 000—18 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

6 000—7 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

5 000—6 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

5 000—5 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

3 500—4 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

3 800—4 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

2 800—3 000

60–90 days

14 000—20 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

7 000—9 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

5 500—6 500

60-90 days or equal rotation

5 000—5 500

61-90 days or equal rotation

4 000—5 000

3:1 rotation

3 800—4 000

3:1 rotation

2 800—3 000

90 days or 3:1 rotation

15 000—23 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

8 500—11 000

60-90 days or equal rotation

6 000+

60-90 days or equal rotation

5 500—6 500

62-90 days or equal rotation

4 000—5 000

3:1 rotation

3 800—4 000

3:1 rotation

2 800—3 000

3:1 rotation

Discretionary

Equal rotation

9 500 + discretionary

Equal rotation

7 500—10 000

Equal rotation

6 500—7 500

Equal rotation

5 500—6 500

Equal rotation

4 500—5 500

3:1 rotation or equal rotation

3 800—4 000

3:1 rotation or equal rotation

2 800—3 000

3:1 rotation

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Below 30m

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

100m +

Chief Engineer

1st Engineer

Second Engineer

Third Engineer

Motorman

ETO & AV/IT

4 000—6 000

Non-rotational

5 000—8 000

Non-rotational or equal rotation

3 500—4 500

Non-rotational

7 500—10 000+

Equal rotation

5 000—6 500

Equal rotation

10 000+

Equal rotation

6 500—7 000

Equal rotation

3 500—4 500

Non rotation or rotation

6 000—7 000

Equal rotation

11 000—15 000+

Equal rotation

7 0008 000

Equal rotation

4 500—5 500

Non-rotation or rotation

3 200—4 000

Rotation

7 000—8 000+

Equal rotation

13 000—15 000+

Equal rotation

8 500—10 000

Equal rotation

6 500—7 500

Equal rotation

4 500—5 500

Rotation

3 200—4 000

Rotation

8 000—10 000

Equal rotation

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Below 30m

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

100m +

Head Chef/Sole Chef

Sous Chef

Third Chef

4 500*—5 500

Non-rotational

5 000—6 000

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

6 000—8 500

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 000—5 000***

Non-rotational

6 000**—9 000

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 000****—6 000

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

8 000+

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 500*****—6 000

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 500

2:2 rotation

8 500+

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

6 000+

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 500—5 500

2:2 rotation

10 000+

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

6 000+

2:2 rotation or non-rotational

4 500—5 500

2:2 rotation

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Below 30m

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

100m +

Purser

Chief Stew

Head of Service

Head of Housekeeping

2nd Stew

Experienced Stew 1–3 years experience

Junior Stew 0–1 years experience 

3 500—4 000

60 days

3 500—4 000

60 days +

2 800—3 300

60 days +

4 000—5 500

60 days

3 000—4 500

60 days +

3 000—4 500

60 days +

2 800—3 300

60 days

4 500—6 000

60 days +

3 800—4 250

60 days +

3 000—4 500

60 days +

2 800—3 300

60 days +

6 500—8 000

90 days+ or equal rotation

5 500—8 000

60 days+, 90 days+ or equal rotation

4 250—5 500

60 days+ or 90 days+

3 000—4 500

60 days +

2 800—3 300

60 days +

7 000—8 000

Equal rotation

7 000—8 000

equal rotation

4 500—5 500

90 days+ or equal rotation

4 500—5 500

90 days+ or equal rotation

4500—5 500

90 days+ or equal rotation

3 000—4 500

90 days +

2 800—3 300

90 days +

8 000—9 500

Equal rotation

7 000—8 500

Equal rotation

5 000—6 000

Equal rotation

5 000—6 000

Equal rotation

5 000—6 000

Equal rotation

3 000—4 500

90 days +

2 800—3 300

90 days +

8 500+

Equal rotation

8 500+

Equal rotation

5 500+

Equal rotation

5 500+

Equal rotation

5 500+

Equal rotation

3 000—4 500

90 days +

2 800—3 300

90 days +

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

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Salary (€)

Leave

Below 30m

30m — 40m

40m — 50m

50m — 70m

70m — 80m

80m — 100m

100m +

Spa Manager (with yachting experience)

Spa Therapist (with advanced level training)

Masseuse / Beautician (with basic training courses)

Nurse

Personal Trainer

Laundry Master

4 000—5 000

60 days +

3 300—4 500

60 days +

4 000—4 500

60 days +

3 300—4 500

60 days +

4 000—5 000

60 days +

3 300—4 500

60 days +

4 000—5 000

60 days +

3 300—4 500

60 days +

4 000—5 000

90 days +

3 300—4 500

90 days +

4 000—5 000

90 days +

3 300—4 500

90 days +

3 500—4 500

60 days +

4 500+

Equal rotation

4 000—5 000

90 days +

3 300—4 500

90 days +

4 000—5 000

90 days + or equal rotation

3 300—4 500

90 days +

3 500—4 000

90 days +

4 500+

Equal rotation

4 000—5 000

90 days +

3 300—4 500

90 days +

4 000—5 000

Equal rotation

3 300—4 500

90 days +

4 000—5 000

Equal rotation

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Salary (€)

Leave

Are you ready to find your new ideal job on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search.
 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

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