SALARY GUIDELINES

The salary guidelines published here are based upon 350,000 data points generated over
the past 16 years in business as the world’s busiest professional crew recruitment agency.
We take real data from crew starting and ending salaries to create these guidelines. Crew
reviewing these guidelines should consider their experience, licensing and overall guest
experience before pushing for salaries at the top end of these ranges. 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:

10+ years Captain experience / Updated licenses

Senior $12,000 - and certificates / History of longevity / Superior
170ft - 200ft +
Master $25,000+ management skills / Admirable record of low crew
turnover / Global knowledge / Excellent references

5+ years of Captain experience / Updated licenses

and certificates / History of longevity / Good
$5,500 -
Captain 100ft - 170ft knowledge of cruising areas / Management
$16,000 systems in place / Good rapport with crew /
Excellent references

2+ years of experience as Captain or Mate /

Junior $4,000 - Updated licenses, certificates and training /
60ft - 100ft
Captain $9,000 Excellent references and personal skills /
Engineering knowledge

FIRST OFFICER
FIRST OFFICER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

Typically, 5+ years’ experience including First

First Officer $6,000 - Officer or Captain on smaller vessels / Minimum
(Licensed - Chief 170ft - 400ft+
$12,000 license OOW / Excellent references / Managerial
Mate or higher) skills / Wealth of safety knowledge

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
 OFFICER OF THE WATCH
OOW SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

3+ years of industry experience as a Bosun or

Second $5,000 - Mate / Minimum license OOW / Specific
Officer 190ft - 400ft +
$9,000 experience or knowledge of ISM and ISPS / Safe
(Licensed) working practices

3+ years of industry experience as a Bosun or

OOW $4,750 - Mate / Minimum license OOW / Specific
(Licensed) 170ft - 400ft+
$7,000 experience or knowledge of ISM / ISPS / Safe
working practices

MATE
MATE SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

3+ years’ experience as Deckhand or Bosun /

Licenses required / Strong references /
Mate 100ft - 170ft $3,000 - $7,000 Longevity a plus / Great attitude team
leadership and strong work ethic

BOSUN
BOSUN SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

1 - 3 years’ experience as Deckhand /

Licenses required / Strong references /
Bosun 150ft - 400ft + $3,000 - $6,000 Longevity a plus / Great attitude and strong
work ethic

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 2
 DECKHAND
DECKHAND SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

An entry level position / Duties will be assigned

according to your rank / This is the size yacht
$2,500 -
Deckhand 170ft - 200ft + where entry level crew are most commonly
$4,500 considered / License and certification not always
(Note: Higher
salary levels reflect required
pay scales
for experienced
deckhands / An entry level position / On mid-size vessels, there
Lower salary may be 1 - 3 deckhands / You should learn your
$2,000 -
reflects entry level 100ft - 170ft daily duties and perform them without instruction.
$3,250 Duties may vary / License and certification not
range)
always required

An entry level position / On smaller vessels, there is

normally only one deckhand/ This job will be multi-
Junior $1,750 - functional/ You will be working very closely with
60ft - 100ft
Deckhand $2,750 the Captain and may be required to do work both
inside and outside / Duties may vary / License and
certification not always required

DECK / ENGINEER (combined)

DECK/2ND ENGINEER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of 1 years’ experience / Must have good

knowledge of deck duties and some background
Deckhand/ $2,500 -
60ft - 170ft in engine work / Excellent references / Ability to
2nd Engineer $5,000 change roles often and work very hard / Good with
guests and owners / Team player

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 3
 DECKHAND / STEWARDESS (Combined)
DECK/STEW SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Must be highly motivated and hardworking /

$2,500 - STCW preferred / Must have excellent references
100ft - 250ft + $4,000 and some experience as deck / Stew preferred /
per month Must be flexible / High interaction with guests
and owners
Deck/Stew

$2,500 - Must be highly motivated and hardworking /

Excellent references /Background in guest
60ft - 100ft $3,500 services / Flexible / Interaction with guests and
per month owners

CHIEF ENGINEER
ENGINEER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

5+ years engineering experience / Minimum of an

MCA Y1 - Y2 level license / History of longevity /
$7,000 -
170ft - 400ft + Superior management skills / Excellent knowledge
$20,000 of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems /
Chief Team leadership / Excellent references
Engineer
3+ years’ experience/ Appropriate license required
/ Must possess expert knowledge of mechanical,
$5,000 -
100ft - 170ft electrical and electronic equipment on board /
$11,000 Excellent references / Troubleshooting abilities/
Good interaction with crew and guests

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 4
 SECOND ENGINEER (Licensed)
SECOND ENGINEER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

5 + years’ experience / Minimum of an MCA Y2 - Y3

level license / Must possess expert knowledge of
$5,500 - mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on
190ft - 400ft+
$12,000 board / Excellent references / Managerial skills /
Troubleshooting / Ability to keep detailed log
books and inventory
Second
Engineer Appropriate license required, based on size and
requirement of vessel / Must possess expert
knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic
$5,000 -
150ft - 190ft equipment on board / Excellent references /
$7,750 Troubleshooting abilities/ Good interaction with
crew & guests / Ability to keep detailed log books
and inventory.

JUNIOR ENGINEER / OOW ENGINEER

ENGINEER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

OOW Appropriate Marine Engine Operator license

$$3,750 - required / Good understanding of basic systems
Engineer 150ft - 400ft +
onboard / Some prior deck knowledge / Minimum
$7,500
(MEOL) 2 years engineering experience

OOW An entry level position / Approved Engine Course

$2,250 - license / Some engineering or deck experience /
Engineer 150ft - 400ft +
Eager to learn / Maintenance and cleaning / Willing
$4,500
(AEC) to help deck department

An entry level position / Interest in learning all

Junior $2,250 - engineering systems / Teamwork and multitasking
150ft - 400ft +
Engineer $4,000 / Ready to help in any area of the yacht when
needed / Often expected to assist on deck

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 5
 ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (ETO)
ELECTRONICS
SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:
ENGINEER (ETO)

Entry level - 10+ years’ experience / The ETO is a

Electronics vital part of the AV/IT experience onboard a yacht.
$3,250 - This specialty position could be held by a
Engineer All yachts
deckhand onboard with minimal experience, up to
$9,500
(ETO) a highly qualified engineer who understands
coding and has many years of experience onboard.

PURSER
PURSER SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

5 + years’ experience as a chief stewardess /

Administrative, organizational and detailed
accounting abilities / Above average computer
$5,750 - skills / Management of interior staff /
Purser 170ft - 400ft
Coordination of contractors, deliveries, services,
$9,500
etc. / Keen eye for interior décor/ Carries out
many accounting and administrative duties for
the captain / ISM and ISPS knowledge important.

CHIEF STEWARDESS
STEWARD/ESS SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

3 + years’ experience / Administrative,

organizational and detailed accounting abilities /
$6,000 - Above average computer skills / Management of
140ft - 400ft
$10,000 interior staff and assignment of duties / Superb
guest service skills / High interaction with guests
Chief & owners / long hours
Stewardess
3 + years’ experience / Primary interface to the
guests / Excellent interaction skills / Hard work
$4,500 -
100ft - 140ft and discretion / Ability to work well as part of a
$7,500 team / Assist on deck if necessary / Ability to
work long hours

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 6
 HOUSEKEEPING / BUTLER
INTERIOR SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 2 years’ experience /

Responsible for interior maintenance /
Head of 150ft - 400ft $4,250 - $7,000 Provisioning of interior supplies / In depth
Housekeeping knowledge of cleaning and laundry products /
Detail Orientated

At least 3 years’ experience butler training,

possible five-star hotel or private home
Butler 150ft - 400ft $3,750 - $8,500 experience / Primary interface with guests /
Responsible for guests’ overall experience

STEWARDESS
STEWARD/ESS SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

At least 1 years’ experience onboard yachts and 3

Second $3,500 - years in the hospitality industry / “Right hand” to
130ft - 400ft
Stewardess $6,500 the chief stewardess / Keen to learn and follow
direction

Minimum of 1 season experience working in

$2,250 - laundry, housekeeping and service / Drive and
Stewardess All yachts
determination required to work long hours /
$4,000
Maintain interior spaces to a very high standard

An entry level position / Positive and friendly

personality / Attention to detail / Drive and
Junior $2,000 -
All yachts determination to learn the trade and do the long
Stewardess $3,000 hours that are required to earn promotion within
the industry

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 7
 CHEF
CHEF SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

Typically, 3 - 4+ years’ experience working on

large yachts/ Professionally trained at reputable
Executive 150ft - 400ft $7,000 - $11,000 Culinary Institute / Excellent references / Strong
Chef background / Experience in worldwide
provisioning and budgeting skills

2+ years’ experience working in a Chef's role /

Professionally trained / Excellent references /
Chef 100ft - 400ft $4,000 - $8,000 Strong background / Experience in worldwide
provisioning / Budgeting skills / Longevity a plus

SOUS CHEF
SOUS CHEF SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to cook well, plan menus, assist the Chef

Sous Chef $3,500 - and cook for crew members / Excellent references
150ft - 250ft +
$6,000 required / Nutritional knowledge / Ability to multi-
task / May require culinary training

COOK
COOK SIZE OF VESSEL SALARY RANGE JOB DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Entry level position / Must be prepared to work long

hours and in variety of positions / Ability to cook
$2,500 -
Cook 60ft - 110ft well, plan menus, cook for guests and crew /
$3,750 Excellent references required / Nutritional
knowledge / Great “can-do” attitude

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 8
As the yachting industry’s leading crew recruitment agency, we pride ourselves on
representing the highest level of qualified, professional yacht crew.

Further to the guidelines given here, we also provide salary statistics via data that has been
collected for over 16 years of crew placement. This live data is constantly updating to
provide accurate information that reflects the current market. We take our statistics from
three different sources which come from over 100,000 of our crew members salary
expectations, more than 200,000 references verified by our agents, and Luxury Yacht
Groups’ confirmed starting salaries.

You may find this live data at:

https://www.luxyachts.com/crewpositions

Creating a positive working environment forms a much more solid foundation for an
efficiently run yacht than paying crew at the top end of these guidelines alone. We
recommend constructing a complete employment package to attract the very best
candidates. Employment terms that include regular pay reviews, annual bonuses, flight
expenses and health insurance will also assist with attracting the right people.

Our yacht management team are always standing by to help with any of your crew and
administrative needs.

Issued June 2021

www.luxyachts.com

1362 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 T: +1 (954) 525.9959 F: +1 (954) 525.9949
La galerie du port, 8 Blvd. D’Aguillon, 06600 ANTIBES T: +33 (0)4 89 12 09 70 F: +33 (0)4 97 21 37 84
Page 9