The world of luxury yachting has always been shrouded in mystery, particularly when it comes to how much the crew members actually earn. Thanks to Bravo’s hit reality series Below Deck Down Under, fans have gotten an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at life on a superyacht. But one burning question remains: How much do these hardworking crew members actually make? And more importantly, how much do they get tipped?
Breaking Down the Salaries
Crew salaries on Below Deck Down Under vary depending on position, experience, and the size of the yacht. However, industry insiders and past cast members have provided insight into the typical pay structure.
Captain
At the top of the chain is the Captain, responsible for the safety of the crew, guests, and the vessel itself. A seasoned captain on a luxury yacht like those featured on the show can earn anywhere from $120,000 to $180,000 per year. Some captains working on high-profile charters can make up to $210,000 annually, depending on the yacht’s size and clientele.
Chief Steward(ess)
The Chief Stew is in charge of interior operations, guest hospitality, and managing the other stews. On average, a chief stewardess makes $6,000 to $9,000 per month, translating to around $72,000 to $108,000 per year.
Steward(ess)
A standard stewardess (or stew) handles housekeeping, drink service, and guest interactions. Their salary typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,500 per month, equating to $36,000 to $66,000 per year.
Chef
The yacht chef is one of the most important positions onboard, responsible for delivering gourmet meals under tight conditions. Their pay varies depending on experience, but on a luxury charter yacht, a chef can earn $7,000 to $12,000 per month, or $84,000 to $144,000 per year.
Bosun
As the lead deckhand, the Bosun earns a respectable salary of $5,000 to $6,500 per month, which translates to $60,000 to $78,000 per year.
Deckhand
A deckhand is responsible for exterior maintenance and assisting with docking and guest activities. Their salary ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 per month, equaling $42,000 to $60,000 per year.
How Much Do They Really Get Tipped?
One of the most enticing aspects of working on a charter yacht is the opportunity to earn generous tips. Captain Jason Chambers, who has become a fan favorite for his leadership on Below Deck Down Under, recently shared insights on how much the crew actually receives in gratuities.
According to Captain Jason, tips can vary significantly depending on the guests. However, in the luxury charter industry, guests are expected to tip between 10% and 20% of the total charter cost. Since a week-long charter on a high-end yacht can range from $100,000 to $300,000, the tip pool often falls between $10,000 and $60,000 per trip.
On Below Deck Down Under, the crew typically receives between $15,000 and $25,000 in tips per charter, which is then split among all crew members (except for the captain, who usually does not take a share). This means each crew member can take home anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per charter—sometimes even more if guests are particularly generous.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
While working on a yacht is undoubtedly demanding—long hours, high stress, and the pressure of providing five-star service—many crew members find the financial rewards to be worth it. With a combination of a solid salary and impressive tips, yachties can earn a substantial income while traveling to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Whether you’re a fan of Below Deck Down Under or simply curious about the world of yachting, one thing is clear: working on a luxury yacht can be both lucrative and exciting. With Captain Jason Chambers’ insights, fans now have a better understanding of just how much the crew takes home after each unforgettable season.
