Yacht Crew Positions and Salaries
The organisational structure onboard a superyacht follows a strong hierarchy based upon a military model. Exact job duties and lines of authority are set and strictly adhered to. This hierarchy is followed on the vast majority of yachts; however, responsibilities of the crew on smaller yachts are often merged.
There are four departments on yachts with clear organisational structure:
- Deck (including Bridge) – Safety, passage delivery, maintenance of the yacht's exterior, guest outdoor activities
- Engineering – Safety and smooth operational running of the yacht
- Interior – Housekeeping, guest wellbeing, activities, accounting
- Galley – Food preparation, stock control, hygiene, galley maintenance
The top of the hierarchy on each yacht is the Captain, who reports to the yacht owner either directly, or through a representative or a yacht management company.
Salaries vary and depend on the yacht size, use, type and location, as well as the experience and qualification of the crew member. We included typical salaries of crew based on the data available from reputable industry sources, as well as our research of over 60,000 crew registered with us.
Deck Positions
Captain
The primary duty of the Captain is the overall safe manning and operation of the yacht. Yacht Captain is responsible for the vessel, yacht crew, owner and guests, including personnel management, shipyard/project management, legal and regulatory compliance, accounting, achieving owners' objectives, and answers to the owner regarding all decisions.
Captain | €4,000 - €15,000 |
First Mate / Chief Officer
The First Mate or Chief Officer is the right hand of the Captain. Takes command of the yacht from Captain when required. Shares Captain's responsibilities as required.
Chief Officer | €3,000 - €13,500 |
2nd Officer | €3,000 - €8,000 |
3rd Officer | €2,500 - €6,000 |
Security Officer | €3,000 - €5,000 |
Bosun / Lead Deckhand
Bosuns are usually experienced Deckhands with additional responsibilities. They are in charge of Deckhands onboard the yacht and often spend a lot of time with guests during outdoor activities. The Bosun is normally the main tender driver.
Mate | €2,500 - €6,000 |
Bosun | €2,500 - €5,500 |
Lead Deckhand | €2,500 - €5,000 |
Deckhand
Responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of the yacht and keeping it in pristine condition at all times. Deckhands also assist in maintaining, cleaning and operating yacht's tenders.
Junior Deckhand | €2,000 - €3,000 |
Carpenter | €3,000 - €4,000 |
Engineering Positions
Chief Engineer
Responsible for the Engineering Department and for all technical aspects of the boat and its equipment. The Chief Engineer's duties include overseeing all mechanical and electrical operations, ensuring all planned maintenance takes place and liaising with subcontractors.
Chief Engineer | €5,000 - €15,000 |
Second / Third Engineer
The Second and Third Engineers report directly to the Chief Engineer. They assist in maintaining all mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht.
2nd Engineer | €3,000 - €10,000 |
3rd Engineer | €2,500 - €6,500 |
Sole Engineer | €3,500 - €12,000 |
Motorman | €2,500 - €4,000 |
ETO / AV/IT Officer
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and AV/IT Officer are in charge of daily maintenance of all electronic, computer, audio/visual and communications equipment and their efficient operation. This includes the radio, radar, telephones, satellite communications, navigation systems, computers, Internet connection, interior equipment (TVs, sound systems), etc.
ETO | €4,000 - €8,000 |
AV/IT Officer | €4,000 - €7,000 |
Electrician
The Electrician is responsible for maintenance of all electrical circuits onboard the vessel, circuit breakers, switches, lighting, batteries, etc.
Electrician | €4,000 - €6,500 |
Interior
Purser
This is an administrative position on large yachts. The Purser is responsible for all operations in the interior department, including inventory, purchasing, provisioning, accounting, organising guest activities, and assisting the Captain with the yachts paperwork.
Purser | €5,000 - €9,000 |
Chief Steward(ess)
Duties are similar to those of other Steward(ess)es onboard the boat, but on a more senior level, including managing the interior department and training. Small yachts with less crew do not have a Purser. The Chief Steward(ess) is in charge of all the responsibilities normally carried out by the Purser on large yachts.
Chief Steward(ess) | €4,500 - €8,500 |
Interior Manager | €4,000 - €8,000 |
Head of Servicer | €4,000 - €7,000 |
Head Housekeeper | €3,000 - €5,500 |
Spa Manager | €3,500 - €5,500 |
Steward(ess)
Steward's or Stewardess's main responsibility is to maintain the interior of the yacht and provide the highest standard of care to the owner and guests. They serve food and drinks, prepare guest activities, pack and unpack luggage and are on call for anything that the guests want anytime day or night. On some yachts, they help the deck crew moor the yacht.
2nd Steward(ess) | €3,000 - €6,500 |
3rd Steward(ess) | €2,500 - €4,000 |
Spa Steward(ess) | €3,000 - €4,000 |
Service Steward(ess) | €2,500 - €5,000 |
Housekeeping Steward(ess) | €2,500 - €4,000 |
Laundry Steward(ess) | €2,500 - €4,000 |
Sole Steward(ess) | €3,000 - €6,000 |
Junior Steward(ess) | €2,000 - €3,500 |
Butler | €3,500 - €6,000 |
Stew/Deck | €2,500 - €4,000 |
Galley
Head Chef
The Head/Executive Chef onboard a luxury superyacht is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the galley department on larger yachts, including guest and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards and financial/budgetary administration.
Head Chef | €6,000 - €10,000 |
Sous Chef
Assists the Head Chef in all aspects of galley duties. The Sous Chef may be required to independently provide crew meals or guest meals at the direction of the Head Chef.
Sous Chef | €3,500 - €8,000 |
Crew Chef / Cook
Large yachts employ a separate crew and guest chef. The Crew chef provides meals for the crew.
Crew Chef / Cook | €3,000 - €5,000 |
Sole Chef | €3,500 - €9,000 |
Stew / Cook | €2,000 - €4,500 |
Other Positions
Many yachts, especially the large ones, have several additional positions. These are often combined with primary roles, e.g. Stewardess / Masseuse or Deckhand / Dive Instructor. The most common are:
Beautician | €3,000 - €4,000 |
Hairdresser | €3,000 - €4,000 |
Massage Therapist | €2,000 - €4,500 |
Nurse | €3,000 - €4,500 |
Dive Instructor | €3,000 - €6,000 |
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