Key takeaways
- ✓Entry-level deckhands and stews typically start around €2,000–€2,800 per month, with food and a cabin on board.
- ✓Pay rises fast with certificates and yacht size: chief engineers and captains on large yachts can earn five figures per month.
- ✓Charter yachts often pay a slightly lower base but add tips — commonly 10–20% of the charter fee, shared among the crew.
- ✓Deliveries and relief jobs are usually paid per day, plus flights, food and travel days.
- ✓The surest ways to earn more: the next certificate, a strong track record and good references.
Typical monthly pay by role (2026)
| Role | Smaller yachts (≈24–40 m) | Large yachts (≈60 m+) |
|---|---|---|
| Deckhand (junior) | €2,000 – €2,800 | €2,500 – €3,200 |
| Lead / senior deckhand | €2,800 – €3,800 | €3,500 – €5,200 |
| Stewardess / steward | €2,200 – €2,800 | €2,500 – €3,500 |
| Chief stewardess | €2,800 – €4,500 | €5,000 – €6,500+ |
| Junior / 2nd engineer | €2,500 – €4,500 | €4,500 – €7,000 |
| Chief engineer | €5,500 – €8,000 | €9,000 – €15,000+ |
| Chef | €3,500 – €6,000 | €6,000 – €10,000 |
| Captain | €6,000 – €9,500 | €15,000 – €30,000 |
Why two people in the same role earn different amounts
- •Yacht size and programme: bigger yachts and busy charter programmes pay more — and ask more.
- •Certificates: an engineering licence, an OOW or Master ticket, or a recognised chef qualification moves you up a pay band.
- •Track record: time in the role, length of stay on previous yachts and verifiable references.
- •Private vs charter: private yachts often pay a higher base; charter yachts add tips.
- •Rotation: rotational roles (e.g. 10 weeks on, 10 off) are often paid differently from permanent full-time contracts.
- •Extra skills: tender driving, diving, watersports instructor, languages or a second department skill.
Day rates: deliveries and relief work
Short-term work is normally paid per day rather than per month. Delivery skippers and crew are usually paid a day rate for the passage, plus travel days, flights home and food on board. Relief crew — people covering leave, refit periods or sudden absences — are also typically on a day rate that reflects how urgent and senior the role is.
Day rates vary widely by route, boat size and seniority, so agree the rate, the number of paid travel days, and who pays for flights, food and accommodation before you go. On Maritime Delivery every job post shows the pay and what the owner covers, and the terms are signed by both sides in the app before the job starts.
More than the salary: what else to compare
- •Leave: how many paid days per year, or the rotation pattern.
- •Flights: are flights to join and leave the yacht paid?
- •Medical and travel insurance on board.
- •Training budget: will the yacht pay for your next course?
- •Tips (charter yachts): how they are shared.
- •Contract: under MLC 2006, you should get a written seafarer employment agreement that states pay, hours and leave.
Taxes depend on where you live and your circumstances, not only on the yacht’s flag. Ask a tax adviser in your country of residence before assuming your salary is tax-free.
How to earn more, faster
- •Plan the next certificate early — it is the biggest single lever on pay.
- •Stay long enough on each yacht to show commitment; short stints are a red flag for many captains.
- •Collect reviews and references after every job — they make the next pay talk easier.
- •Use the quiet weeks: relief and delivery work between contracts adds income and sea time.
- •Keep your certificates valid — an expired medical or STCW can cost you a job offer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yacht deckhand earn per month?+
In 2026 most entry-level deckhands start around €2,000–€2,800 per month on smaller yachts, rising to €3,000+ on larger yachts, with food and accommodation on board. Senior deckhands earn more.
Do yacht crew pay tax?+
It depends on your country of residence and personal situation, not only the yacht. Some crew pay little or no tax, others are fully taxed at home. Check with a tax adviser where you live.
How are yacht delivery crew paid?+
Usually per day for the passage, plus travel days, flights and food. Agree the day rate and what is covered in writing before the trip.
Which yacht crew job pays the most?+
Captains and chief engineers on large yachts earn the most, often well into five figures per month. Chefs on large yachts are also among the best paid.
Sources
- UKSA — Superyacht salary guide
- Lighthouse Careers — Salary guide
- Breeze Yachting — Finding the right yacht crew and what to pay them
- ILO — Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
- How yacht delivery jobs are paid (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Maritime certificates by role (Maritime Delivery guide)
- MLC 2006 seafarer employment agreement explained (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work