Step into the world of superyachts, where your career is not just a job but an adventure filled with luxury, excitement, and unparalleled opportunities. As a member of a superyacht crew, you’ll work aboard some of the most advanced vessels in the world, playing a vital role in their operation while enjoying a host of incredible benefits—think tax-free earnings, free accommodation, gourmet meals, and the chance to explore exotic destinations across the globe.
A Range of Opportunities Await
Working on a superyacht requires a unique blend of specialised skills and a passion for excellence. You won’t just be part of a team—you’ll be part of a family, living and working closely with others to deliver unforgettable experiences to yacht owners and their guests.
- Team Dynamics: Seamless teamwork is the key to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
- Training & Certification: From deckhands to engineers, every crew member must be certified and trained to ensure top-tier safety and service.
- Unbeatable Perks: Competitive, tax-free salaries, free accommodation, and meals are just the beginning. Imagine traveling the world while doing what you love!
Discover Your Perfect Role On Board
Superyachts offer a wide range of roles, each vital to the yacht’s success. Whether you’re crafting gourmet meals or ensuring the yacht is in top shape, there’s a position for you:
- Yacht Chef: Prepares meals for guests and crew, managing the galley. Superyacht Chefs must provide high-quality, diverse cuisine, meet dietary needs, and ensure excellent service.
- Salary: On yachts up to 35 meters, a yacht chef’s salary ranges from $5,000-7,000 per month. This increases to $7,500-8,500 on 51-65 meter yachts and $8,500-10,000 on vessels over 100 meters.
- Purser: Manages administrative and financial tasks, a role usually found on larger yachts. On smaller yachts, these responsibilities are often handled by the Chief Steward or Stewardess.
- Salary: The salary for a purser ranges from $5,000 to $12,250 per month on larger yachts.
- Steward/ess: Provides luxury service and maintains the yacht’s interior. This role serves as a stepping stone to higher positions such as Chief Steward/ess, Head of Service, Head of Housekeeping, or Purser.
- Salary: The average entry-level salary in the superyacht industry for a Stewardess is around $3,000 to $4,000 per month.
- Head of Service: On yachts over 70m, this role involves leading onboard service, training Stews, and maintaining strong guest relations.
- Salary: A head of service position on a yacht can pay around $5,000 per month.
- Chief Steward or Stewardess: Leads the Interior Department, reporting to the Captain. They oversee the yacht’s interior management and hospitality services, ensuring exceptional guest service.
- Salary: A yacht stewardess salary depends on the size of the yacht, training and certification. In the senior role of chief stewardess, salary can be anywhere between $5,000 to $9,000+ per month, with the job requiring by far the most responsibilities of the interior team.
- Bosun: Oversees Deckhands, manages deck operations, and ensures the yacht’s exterior is maintained. They handle deck supplies, often drive the tender, and must be personable and enthusiastic.
- Salary: A bosun salary generally ranges between $3,500-5,000 per month, starting at $3,500 for those with minimal experience.
- Deckhand: Essential for daily yacht upkeep, Deckhands ensure the yacht remains pristine. They work under the supervision of a Lead Deckhand, Bosun, or Chief Officer.
- Salary: Starting out as a junior, a yacht deckhand salary can be anywhere from $3,000 to $3,5000 per month, with very rare cases reporting to earn over $4,000 per month.
- Chief Officer: Directly under the Captain, the Chief Officer manages yacht operations and ensures safety. This role demands excellent navigation and managerial skills, adapting duties to the yacht’s specifications.
- Salary: The current average salary across all yacht sizes for a Chief Officer is €8,475, with solely private yachts paying 11% more than private/charter yachts.
- Second Officer: Assists in managing operations and safety, with responsibilities adjusting to the yacht’s size and purpose.
- Salary: A second officer on a yacht can earn around $6,500 per month.
- Third Officer: Focuses on safety, conducting checks and drills, and supports deck duties. The balance of safety and deck tasks depends on the yacht’s size and structure.
- Salary: A third officer on a yacht can earn between €2,500 and €6,000 per month.
- Yacht Captain: The Captain is the highest authority on a yacht, responsible for overall operation and safety. This role requires exceptional navigational, administrative, and managerial skills. Duties vary based on the yacht’s size, usage, and itinerary.
- Salary: An average monthly salary of $20,000 is to be expected. However, there are some captains who can earn as much as $32,000 per month.
Flexible Contracts and Life On Board
Yachting contracts are as diverse as the yachts themselves. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal position (typically 4-6 months) or a permanent role, there’s something to fit every lifestyle. Expect to spend extended periods on board, with common rotations of 6-8 weeks of work followed by 2-4 weeks of leave. Your time on board is shaped by the yacht’s itinerary and the owner’s needs, making every experience unique.
Get Certified and Get Started!
The PSA (Proficiency in Security Awareness) is your ticket to entering the yachting industry, covering essential security protocols for all maritime environments. This online certification is part of the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping) and is approved by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency). The course is valid indefinitely, so you’ll always be prepared for your next adventure.
Exclusive Offer: Use code YACHT10 for 10% off your PSA course—start your journey today!