Deckhand salary by vessel size
| Vessel size | Monthly base (USD) |
|---|---|
| Under 25m | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| 25m – 40m | $3,200 – $4,200 |
| 40m – 60m | $3,800 – $4,800 |
| 60m+ | $4,200 – $5,000+ |
Charter tip income is divided among all crew at the captain's discretion. A junior deckhand typically receives a smaller share than senior crew — usually 0.5–1 "unit" compared to 1–2 for senior crew — but on a busy charter programme this still adds meaningfully to the monthly total.
How to increase your deckhand salary fast
The fastest route to higher pay as a deckhand is stacking qualifications that captains value immediately. Each of these adds tangible value and justifies a salary conversation:
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 — tender operation is a daily responsibility; captains pay more for crew who arrive already qualified
- PADI Open Water Diver (minimum) or Advanced Open Water — useful for yacht maintenance, anchor checks, hull inspection
- PADI Divemaster or Instructor — dramatically increases your value on charter yachts where guests want guided dives; can add $300–600/month to base
- RYA VHF SRC — radio certification shows professionalism
- Water sports certifications (jet ski, wakeboard instruction, kitesurfing) — charter yachts with toy programmes pay premiums for crew who can instruct guests
- First Aid at Work — beyond STCW EFA, a full first aid qualification is valued
What deckhands actually do
Deck crew work covers: maintaining the exterior of the vessel (cleaning, varnishing, painting), operating the anchor and mooring systems, running the tender for guest transfers, setting up water toys and equipment, assisting with lines when entering and leaving port, and standing watches on passage. On smaller yachts, deckhands may also assist with provisioning, fuelling, and general maintenance.
The work is physical and the hours are long during charter, but the lifestyle compensation — being paid to live on a superyacht in some of the world's most beautiful locations — makes it genuinely attractive to the people who thrive in it.