Yacht crew salaries by role
Researched reference · Published 2026-07-06. AtlantisDesk compiles this from public industry and government sources; we are not, and do not claim to be, former yacht crew.
Figures verified July 2026 — costs, salaries, visa and certification rules change; verify with official sources before relying on them.
How much do yacht crew earn? Approximate monthly ranges by role, from junior deckhand to chief engineer, with the factors that move the numbers.
Yacht crew pay varies widely with vessel size, private versus charter operation, rotation and flag. The figures below are approximate monthly ranges drawn from published crew salary guides — treat them as ballpark, not quotes. We cite more than one guide because they differ.
Approximate monthly salary by role
| Role | Approx. monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / green deckhand | €2,000–€3,200 | |
| Experienced deckhand | €3,000–€4,500+ | |
| Bosun | €3,200–€6,500 | Scales with vessel size |
| Mate / Chief Officer | €3,500–€9,500+ | Wide range |
| Junior stew / steward | €2,000–€3,200 | |
| Chief stew | €2,800–€7,000+ | |
| Engineer (Y-ticket) | €3,500–€8,000 (junior) → €8,000–€20,000+ (chief) | Scales hard with tonnage |
| Chef / head chef | €3,000–€12,000+ |
Ranges compiled from the YPI Crew Salary Guide and the Flying Fish Salary Guide. Numbers shift year to year — check the latest editions.
What moves the number
- Vessel size is the dominant factor — larger yachts pay more across every role.
- Charter tips: on charter yachts, tips are often around 10% of the charter fee split among the crew — very roughly €1,500–€5,000+ per charter. Private yachts usually do not tip.
- Rotation: rotational positions typically carry a lower base (roughly 10–20% less) in exchange for time off.
- Living costs are covered aboard, so take-home savings can be high. We do not give tax advice — your situation varies.
Related guides
- How to get a yacht job with no experience (the pillar)
- Daywork, day rates and yacht seasons — how you earn before a permanent role
Sources: YPI Crew, Flying Fish.
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