Ultimate Guide to Yacht Crew Salaries in 2026 (Based on Yotspot Guidelines)

Whether you’re dreaming of a career at sea or already navigating the superyacht job market, understanding salary expectations is essential. Yotspot is the leading yachting recruitment platform that publishes annual salary guidelines that give crew members, Captains, and recruiters a clear picture of earnings across positions and vessel sizes. 

Salary Ranges by Role and Vessel Size

Here’s a snapshot of the pay landscape:

Senior Leadership & Bridge Positions

• Captain: €5,000–€6,000 on smaller yachts (under 30m), rising to €20,000–€23,000 on larger vessels (90–99m). 
• Chief Officer / 1st Mate: From about €3,200–€4,500 on smaller yachts up to €12,000–€15,000 on larger ones. 
• 2nd Officer: Typically appears starting on mid-sized boats, with ranges around €5,000–€7,500. 

These are high-responsibility roles with commensurate pay, often involving both technical command and personnel leadership. 

Engineering & Technical Crew

• Chief Engineer: €4,500–€6,000 on smaller yachts, scaling up to €13,000–€15,000 on larger superyachts. 
• 2nd Engineer & ETO: Salaries vary across vessel sizes, with Electro-Technical Officers generally earning €6,000–€8,000 on bigger yachts. 

Engineering roles are critical to keeping a yacht running smoothly — and that expertise is reflected in competitive pay. 

Interior & Support Roles

• Chief Steward/Stewardess: €4,000–€4,500 on small yachts; €8,000–€9,000 on larger vessels. 
• Head Chef / Executive Chef: €4,000–€6,000 on smaller boats, increasing to €10,000–€11,000 on larger yachts. 
• Deckhands & Junior Crew: Starting around €2,500–€3,000 and moving up to €4,000–€4,500 with vessel size and experience. 

These roles vary widely but are indispensable — from delivering fine dining experiences to maintaining the exterior and guest spaces. 

What This Means for Jobseekers

Here are a few tips for translating these figures into your career planning:

Factor in Vessel Size

Salaries tend to rise with yacht length and complexity especially beyond 60m. Bigger yachts usually have more crew and more demanding guest services, justifying higher pay. 

Experience Still Counts

Even within the same vessel band, experience and certifications (e.g., advanced STCW, Yachtmaster) can significantly influence your offer so highlight them in applications. (Most yachting job ads ask for your salary expectations & experience in your cover letter.) 

Negotiation is Normal

The published guidelines are not hard limits; many offers are negotiated based on experience, specialty skills, and contract terms (like bonuses, flights, insurance, or tips). 

The 2026 Yotspot Salary Guidelines are more than just numbers; they’re a benchmark for career progression in yachting. Whether you’re a deckhand ready to rise through the ranks or a department head securing top-tier positions, understanding these ranges empowers you in interviews and negotiations.