Yacht crew positions are not just about sailing the high seas; they offer a lucrative career path, especially when it comes to tips. Whether you are considering a career in the yachting industry, are a current yacht crew member aiming to maximize their earnings, yacht owners or somebody searching for a private charter yacht, understanding the nuances of tipping is crucial. But how much do yacht crew make in tips for their work and why are yacht crew receiving tips? The amount yacht crew members can earn in tips varies widely, influenced by factors such as the yacht’s size, the wealth of the guests, and the level of service provided. In this article, we explore how much yacht crew can realistically expect to earn in tips, shedding light on the industry standards and what it takes to secure those generous bonuses. Whether you’re a captain, stewardess, or deckhand, knowing the potential for extra income can be a game-changer in this prestigious and competitive field. Dive in to discover the financial benefits that come with working on luxury yachts as a crew member.
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Do Yacht Crew Get Paid a Salary and Receive Tips?
Yes, yacht crew are paid a monthly salary from yacht owners and can expect to receive tips on top of this from charter guests, if they work aboard a superyacht that does charter trips. Yacht crew receiving tips for their work has become very common on busy charter yachts, even for entry level crew.
What is the Base Salary for Yacht Crew?
If you are hired to work on board a yacht, the base salary can be much higher than for a shore-based job, particularly in a senior role like a captain or a chief stewardess. Also, your cost of living is much lower as you do not have to pay for food, accommodation or everyday products. Your wage often varies based on the size of the yacht and your experience.
Yacht Crew Salary
Wages for yacht crew vary depending on experience, the role on board and the owner of the yacht. YPI CREW produces an annual report on average salaries yacht crew are receiving, from entry level to captain.
How Much Do Charter Yacht Crew Make in Tips?
On board yachts, charter managers advise that a minimum of 10% of the base charter rate is the customary amount to give as a tip to the crew aboard a superyacht. Typically, the charter guests will give tips to the yacht captain at the end of the charter and the captain will divide this up among the individual crew members, with each crew member receiving the same amount, regardless of role. Anecdotally, US clients tend to tip 15% – 20% per charter.
For example, if a yacht charter totals $100,000 for a week, charter guests will tip $10,000. However, if the crew have been particularly good, many charter clients give more than this as a sign of appreciation for their work on board. It can also depend on the size of the crew, such as how many deckhands are working with guests.
Many yacht crew prefer to work on board busy charter vessels as they can almost double their salary each month with tips. If, for each charter, a chief stewardess or deckhand working is awarded $1,000 in gratuity, they could make up an additional $4,000 each month—even if they are entry level.
Why Do Charter Clients Tip Yacht Crew?
Charter clients tip the crew because the crew work extremely hard to make their time on board an incredible experience. Yacht crew will spend time creating an itinerary, playing with children, curating memorable evenings and themed nights, delivering impeccable service, and making sure that guests are always comfortable and well-looked after. Deckhands are often working in the heat of the sun. Tips for their work are in recognition of the time and effort spent making every yacht charter an incredible experience.
How Much Do Private Yacht Crew Make in Tips?
For crew who work on private yachts, it is less common to receive gratuity from yacht owners on a regular basis. However, it is common for owners to say thank you to the crew at the end of the season by paying for a team dinner or trip. This is a way to show their appreciation for all their work.
How Many Crew Members does a Yacht have?
The number of crew on board a yacht vary on the size of yacht. A yacht will always have a captain, and most yachts will have a stewardess and a deckhand working. Large yachts need multiple interior crew and many deck hands and engineers to work aboard to ensure that guests are safe and that the yacht runs smoothly.
Working on a Yacht
Working on a yacht can be an exciting and rewarding career path, offering unique opportunities to travel the world, experience luxurious settings, and develop a close-knit camaraderie with fellow yacht crew members. Here’s an overview of the different yacht crew roles, their corresponding salaries, and the benefits associated with living and working on a yacht.
1. Captain
- Role: The yacht captain is the highest-ranking officer on the yacht, responsible for the overall operation, safety, and navigation of the vessel. The captain oversees all crew members and ensures that the yacht complies with maritime laws and regulations.
- Salary: $8,000 – $25,000+ per month, depending on the yacht’s size and the captain’s experience.
- Benefits: Authority over the vessel, high salary, opportunity to work on prestigious yachts.
2. First Officer (Chief Officer)
- Role: The first officer is the second in command, assisting the captain in navigation, safety procedures, and the management of deck crew. They often handle paperwork, crew schedules, and oversee maintenance tasks.
- Salary: $5,000 – $12,000 per month.
- Benefits: Leadership role, potential to advance to captain, hands-on experience with yacht operations.
3. Engineer
- Role: The engineer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the yacht’s mechanical and electrical systems. This includes engines, generators, plumbing, air conditioning, and any other technical equipment on board.
- Salary: $4,000 – $12,000 per month.
- Benefits: Highly specialized role, critical to yacht operations, good salary potential, valuable technical experience.
4. Deckhand
- Role: Deckhands are responsible for the exterior maintenance of the yacht, assisting with docking, handling lines, cleaning, and performing general maintenance tasks. They also help with water sports equipment and guest activities.
- Salary: $2,500 – $4,000 per month.
- Benefits: Entry-level position with room for growth, hands-on experience, opportunity to work closely with guests and crew.
5. Steward/Stewardess
- Role: Stewards and stewardesses are responsible for the interior management of the yacht, including housekeeping, serving meals and drinks, and ensuring that guests have a pleasant experience. They work closely with the chef and other interior staff.
- Salary: $2,500 – $5,000 per month.
- Benefits: Service-oriented role, opportunity to interact with guests, development of hospitality skills.
6. Chef
- Role: The yacht chef is responsible for preparing meals for both the guests and crew. Depending on the yacht’s size, the chef may also have assistants. The chef works closely with the steward/stewardess to ensure meals are served according to guests’ preferences.
- Salary: $4,000 – $12,000 per month.
- Benefits: Creative role, high demand for skilled chefs, opportunity to showcase culinary skills in a luxury setting.
7. Purser
- Role: The purser is responsible for the financial management, guest logistics, and administrative tasks on larger yachts. They handle accounting, inventory, and crew payroll.
- Salary: $5,000 – $10,000 per month.
- Benefits: Administrative and financial expertise, opportunity to manage complex operations, critical role in yacht management.
8. Bosun
- Role: The bosun is a senior deckhand with additional responsibilities, such as overseeing deck operations, managing deckhands, and maintaining deck equipment. The bosun also assists with navigation and safety procedures.
- Salary: $3,000 – $6,000 per month.
- Benefits: Leadership within the deck crew, hands-on role with advancement opportunities.
9. Mate
- Role: Mates assist the captain and first officer with navigation, safety, and management of deck operations. They may also be involved in guest services, especially on smaller yachts.
- Salary: $3,000 – $6,000 per month.
- Benefits: Supportive role with potential for advancement, valuable experience in yacht operations.
Benefits of Working on a Yacht
- Travel Opportunities: Yacht crew members often get to travel to some of the most beautiful and exclusive destinations in the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, and beyond.
- Accommodation and Meals: Crew members typically live on the yacht, with accommodation and meals provided. This allows for significant savings on living expenses.
- Tips and Bonuses: In addition to their base salary, yacht crew members can earn substantial tips from guests, especially on charter yachts. These tips can significantly boost overall income.
- Networking and Career Advancement: Working on a yacht provides opportunities to network with high-profile guests and industry professionals, which can lead to career advancement and other opportunities within the yachting or hospitality industries.
- Unique Lifestyle: Life on a yacht is dynamic and fast-paced, with a close-knit crew often forming strong bonds. The luxurious environment and unique experiences make it a lifestyle unlike any other.
Working on a yacht can be demanding, with long hours and the need to be adaptable to guests’ needs, but the rewards in terms of experience, travel, and financial compensation make it an appealing career for many.
