Working onboard a superyacht as a Captain sounds both enthralling and inspiring. Whilst the job may appeal to many, not everyone is suited to such a highly qualified and demanding role.
That said, if you do have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience on your résumé, you might be interested to learn more about the typical salaries yacht captains make.
That’s exactly what we’ll explore below.
Chapters
- How Much Should a Superyacht Captain Get Paid?
- Responsibilities
- Average Yacht Captain Monthly Salaries
- Yacht Captains on Rotation
- Conclusion
- Contact Us
How Much Should a Superyacht Captain Get Paid?
| Position | Size of Vessel | Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Master | 170ft – 200ft+ | $140,000 – $300,000 |
| Captain | 100ft – 170ft+ | $85,000 – $170,000 |
| Junior Captain | 60ft – 100ft+ | $48,000 – $98,000 |
The salary paid to a superyacht captain depends on several factors — including yacht size, experience, training, and qualifications. It’s also important to consider benefits such as bonuses, paid leave, health insurance, and travel expenses.
Most captains live onboard, meaning accommodation and meals are covered, further increasing the value of the overall package. Charter captains can also earn generous tips from guests.
In addition, if you spend enough time working outside UK waters, you may qualify for the Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction (SED), which can make your income completely tax free. To confirm your eligibility, it’s best to take an online residency test or consult a marine tax specialist.
Responsibilities
A yacht captain carries immense responsibility for the vessel, crew, and guests. Their duties typically include:
Passenger Safety
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The captain is responsible for the safety of everyone onboard, as well as the vessel and marine environment. They must understand navigation, mechanics, electronics, and maritime regulations.
Owner Objectives
The captain must meet the yacht owner’s goals — whether that’s smooth navigation, impeccable service, or managing charter operations. Expectations are typically high, particularly when guests and family are aboard.
Hiring & Managing Crew
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Captains are often responsible for recruiting and managing crew. They must ensure all team members are qualified, experienced, and suited to life at sea. The Maritime Labour Convention sets out strict rules for crew management, which captains must follow.
Manage Personnel
Large yachts can employ anywhere from 12 to 40 crew members. Maintaining good communication and morale is crucial, as crew members live and work in close quarters. Captains must lead by example and resolve any conflicts effectively.
Vessel Maintenance
Captains oversee all maintenance and upgrades, ensuring the yacht is seaworthy and compliant with flag-state regulations. This includes managing budgets, scheduling repairs, and supervising contractors.
Accounting
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Captains are typically responsible for the yacht’s operational budget — including fuel, maintenance, provisions, and crew salaries — keeping accurate records for the owner or management company.
Navigating
Navigation is the heart of the captain’s role. They plan safe routes, manage docking procedures, and ensure compliance with maritime laws and safety protocols.
Average Yacht Captain Monthly Salaries
The yacht’s size has a major impact on the captain’s pay. Below are average salary ranges based on vessel size:
- 60ft – 90ft: Around $7,500 per month (up to $20,000 for experienced captains)
- 90ft – 139ft: Typically $10,000 – $20,000 per month
- 140ft – 179ft: Average $14,000 per month (can exceed $34,000)
- 180ft – 239ft: Between $15,000 and $24,000 per month
- 240ft – 279ft: Around $16,000 on average, up to $20,000 for senior captains
- 280ft+: $20,000 to $32,000 per month (rare and highly competitive roles)
Yacht Captains on Rotation
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According to a Dockwalk survey, around 20% of captains work on a rotational schedule — often alternating two months on, two months off. While full-time roles usually pay slightly more, rotation provides a better work-life balance.
Conclusion
Being a yacht captain is one of the most prestigious and demanding roles in the maritime industry. It combines adventure, leadership, and high responsibility — all rewarded with excellent compensation and benefits.
The salary reflects not just technical expertise, but also interpersonal and managerial skills that ensure a yacht operates safely and efficiently under the captain’s command.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a yacht captain or claiming tax-free seafarer income, we’re here to help.
Simply get in touch with us or leave your comments below.
Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party matters herein.
