Average Starting Salary (US dollars)
| POSITION | Up to 80ft
(m) | 80-100ft
(m) | 100-140ft
(m) | 140-180ft
(m) | 180ft+
(m) | | Captain | $35,000-
$85,000 | $45,000-
$100,000 | $60,000-
$140,000 | $90,000-
$175,000 | $135,000+ | | First Officer / First Mate | $25,000-
$55,000 | $40,000-
$60,000 | $45,000-
$75,000 | $50,000-
$80,000 | $75,000+ | | Bosun/ 2nd Mate | $25,000-
$35,000 | $30,000-
$45,000 | $35,000-
$50,000 | $35,000-
$60,000 | $40,000+ | | Deckhand | $22,000-
$30,000 | $24,000-
$40,000 | $24,000-
$36,000 | $25,000-
$40,000 | $25,000+ | | Chief Engineer | $30,000-
$40,000 | $35,000-
$45,000 | $45,000-
$70,000 | $55,000-
$90,000 | $100,000+ | | 2nd Engineer | N/A | N/A | N/A | $50,000-
$80,000 | $80,000+ | Engineer
(Unlicensed) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $36,000-
$50,000 | $36,000-
$50,000 | | Chef | $45,000-
$60,000 | $45,000-
$70,000 | $50,000-
$95,000 | $50,000-
$100,000 | $70,000+ | | Crew / Sous Chef | $30,000-
$50,000 | $35,000-
$70,000 | $40,000-
$65,000 | $45,000-
$90,000 | $55,000+ | | Chief Stew | $25,000-
$40,000 | $30,000-
$45,000 | $30,000-
$50,000 | $40,000-
$65,000 | $60,000+ | | Senior/ 2nd Stew | $30,000-
$35,000 | $30,000-
$35,000 | $33,000-
$40,000 | $33,000-
$45,000 | $40,000+ | | Junior Stew | $22,000-
$30,000 | $24,000-
$40,000 | $24,000-
$36,000 | $25,000-
$40,000 | $25,000+ |
Freelance Positions (US Dollars)
| POSITION | Up to 80ft (m) | 80100ft
(m) | 100140ft
(m) | 140-180ft
(m) | 180ft+
(m) | | Captain | $150-
$250 | $175-
$275 | $200-
$300 | $250-
$350 | $400+ | | Engineer | $125-
$200 | $125-
$200 | $175-
$200 | $175-
$300 | $175+ | | Chef | $100-
$200 | $150-
$225 | $150-
$250 | $150-
$300 | $250+ | | Deck / Stew | $100-
$125 | $100-
$125 | $100-
$150 | $100-
$150 | $125+ |
These rates, quoted in US dollars, are a guideline of current industry standards for starting salaries and are not specific to private or charter, power or sail yachts. In considering these guidelines, keep in mind that there is no distinct cap on earning potential within the industry and, in fact, the base rates outlined are merely a platform from which to negotiate, especially as you gain experience and the trust of those who employ you. What's more, as all expenses are paid, the entire income is discretionary.
In fact, in addition to this salary, it is expected that owners will provide a round trip fare to and from the vessel, accommodation, food, uniforms and other onboard expenses such as toiletries, laundry, linen and often alcohol. Health and dental insurance is typically provided after a 30-90 days probationary period and pay increases are standard, dependent on performance and length of service. Vacation and time off vary between vessels, but 4-6 weeks paid annual holiday and a 5 ½-6 day work week is normal in the yachting industry. (Revised December 2006)
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