Crew Guide: How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Make?

The number of stewardesses on a yacht depends largely on the size of the boat. Yachts come in a wide range of sizes, from smaller vessels (typically around 30 meters or 100 feet) to superyachts that can be over 100 meters (over 300 feet). Here’s a rough guide to the typical crew structure based on yacht size:

15-30 meters (50-100 feet): This is typically the smallest size yacht you will find a yacht stewardess job and is often only a three person team including a captain, chef, and stew. The smaller yacht may require more flexibility on living situations such as only working as a day stewardess and being dropped off on land in the evenings.

30-50 meters (100-160 feet): These yachts usually have one to three stewardesses. On smaller yachts, there might only be one or two interior crew members responsible for the entirety of the yacht’s interior, which means they’ll have a range of duties including general housekeeping, laundry, and meal service.

50-70 meters (160-230 feet): For mid-sized yachts, you’ll often see a team of three to five stewardesses. In this case, there’s often a Chief Stewardess who manages the interior crew, as well as junior stewardesses who handle specific duties like housekeeping, bartending, or event setup.

70+ meters (230+ feet): On large yachts, especially those considered superyachts, there could be as many as 6-10 yacht stewardesses working aboard. The hierarchy is more defined, with specialized roles including laundry stewardesses, service stewardesses, and housekeeping stewardesses.

One of the biggest factors that can influence a stewardess’s job (and salary) is whether the yacht is private or available for charter.

Private Yacht: A private yacht is owned by one individual or family and is used solely for their personal use. As a stewardess, you’ll likely be working directly with the yacht owners, their family, and their guests. While private yachts may not offer the same level of tip potential as charter yachts, they often come with a more consistent work schedule and a more personal atmosphere.

Charter Yacht: On a yacht charter, the boat is rented out to different clients (or “charter guests”) for vacations. This type of yacht typically has a busier schedule, with new guests coming on board frequently. Because of the rotating guest list, the work can be more fast-paced, but there’s also greater potential for tips—charter guests are usually expected to tip between 10-15% of the charter fee, which gets divided among the crew.

So, how much does a yacht stewardess make? Let’s break down the numbers of an average salary.

Base Monthly Salary

The base salary for a yacht stewardess can vary significantly based on the yacht’s size, the owner’s preferences, and your level of experience. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

Junior Stewardess: If you’re just starting out, you can expect a starting salary ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 per month. On smaller yachts, the salary might be on the lower end, while larger yachts with more guests and responsibilities may offer a bit more.

Stewardess (2-3 years of experience): Once you have some previous experience under your belt, your salary will likely increase to around $3,000 to $5,000 per month. Depending on the size of the crew, this is often known as the second stewardess.

Chief Stewardess: If you rise to the senior roles, your salary will jump significantly. Five plus years of on the job training and experience is typically the minimum to achieve this rank. Chief Stews on large yachts can earn a higher salary anywhere from $5,500 to $9,000 per month, depending on the yacht’s size and the responsibilities that come with managing the interior crew.

Yacht Charter Tips

Tips are where things can get exciting. As mentioned earlier, guests on charter yachts typically tip 10-20% of the total charter fee. This can add up quickly, especially on luxury charters where weekly rates are often well into the six figures. Many yacht crew prefer to work on board busy charter vessels as they can almost double their salary each month with tips.

Average Tips on a Charter: For a charter stewardess, tips can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per week—and that’s in addition to your base salary. On superyachts with high-profile guests, tips can sometimes be even higher.

Private Yacht Tips: Private yachts may not offer the same tip potential as charter yachts, but owners and their guests sometimes offer generous bonuses at the end of the season, especially if they’ve had an exceptional experience.

Certain qualifications that are beneficial to yachts and may be a determining factor in achieving a higher salaries are certifications like scuba dive master, massage therapist, yoga teacher, nanny experience, and bartending, and deckhand knowledge. While these are not required, any of these skills can make a yacht run more smoothly, expand the level of service available, and improve overall guest experience. 

In addition to base salary and tips, there are additional benefits which may be added to the salary package. Dependent on the position, those benefits may include insurances, flight expenses, and training costs. Because the positions of stewardess/steward position require living aboard the yacht, meals and living expenses are covered. Meals alone can drastically reduce your outgoing expenses, and on top of that, you’re not paying rent.

To succeed as a yacht stewardess, you’ll need more than just a love of the sea. Here are some of the key skills and qualities that will help you thrive in this role:

Attention to Detail: Yacht guests expect nothing less than perfection, and it’s your job to ensure that every detail is taken care of—from perfectly folded towels to beautifully arranged table settings.

People Skills: You’ll be working closely with guests, sometimes in high-pressure situations. Being polite, patient, and personable is essential for providing the five-star service that’s expected on luxury yachts.

Multitasking: Whether you’re serving drinks, cleaning cabins, or helping plan guest activities, you’ll need to juggle multiple tasks at once.

Adaptability: No two days on a yacht are the same and you need to keep an open mind. One day you might be in charge of cocktail service, while the next day you’re organizing a beach picnic. Being able to adapt to changing situations is key.

Team Player: Yachts are small spaces, and the crew works closely together. Being a good team player and having a positive attitude is crucial for maintaining a harmonious onboard environment.

Discretion: Many yacht guests value their privacy, especially if they’re high-profile individuals. You’ll need to maintain a professional demeanor and ensure that guest information is kept confidential.

While the idea of working on a yacht may seem glamorous—imagine soaking up the sun in exotic locations, mingling with the rich and famous, and sailing into picturesque sunsets—it’s important to remember that being a yacht stewardess also requires a lot of hard work, long hours, and dedication. The reality of life as a stewardess is a far cry from lounging on deck with a cocktail in hand. Instead, it’s a fast-paced job where you’re often on your feet for 12-16 hours a day, ensuring that every detail of the guests’ experience is perfect.

Long Hours and Demanding Schedules

One of the biggest challenges of being a yacht stewardess is the sheer number of hours you’ll be expected to work, particularly when guests are on board. While the guests enjoy their vacation, you’ll be below deck making sure everything runs smoothly. This can mean working early mornings to late nights, with very little downtime during a busy charter season. Your days will often start at sunrise, with tasks like preparing breakfast service or cleaning the guest cabins, and extend well into the evening, especially if the guests are enjoying a late-night dinner or event.

Physical Demands

The job of a stewardess can be physically demanding as well. Cleaning and maintaining the yacht’s impeccable interior is no small feat. Every surface needs to be spotless, from the guest cabins to the galley, and this requires a lot of bending, scrubbing, and carrying heavy loads of laundry or supplies. Stewardesses are often tasked with setting up and breaking down elaborate tablescapes for meals or events, which can involve lugging around heavy trays, glassware, and cutlery.

There’s also the added challenge of working in confined spaces, especially on smaller yachts. The interior crew works in tight quarters, which can be physically and mentally demanding when the yacht is full of guests. Navigating narrow hallways and working within the tight confines of a galley or pantry requires careful coordination and attention to detail to avoid mishaps.

Emotional and Mental Stamina

In addition to the physical demands, being a stewardess requires emotional resilience and mental stamina. You’ll need to be able to handle high-pressure situations with grace and professionalism. Guests may have specific or even extravagant requests, and it’s your job to meet those needs without losing your cool. There can be moments when things go wrong—like running out of a guest’s favorite wine or facing unexpected delays in service—and it’s essential to think quickly on your feet to resolve any issues.

Additionally, when guests are on board, there’s very little separation between your personal space and your work life. You’re part of a team, and you’ll be living in close quarters with the crew and, often, working in the same spaces where the guests are enjoying their vacation. This means you’ll always need to maintain a professional demeanor, even during stressful moments. Handling guest complaints, managing unexpected changes in plans, and staying calm under pressure are all part of the job.

If you’re brand new to the industry, you’ll likely start as a Junior Stewardess. This entry-level position is where you’ll learn the ropes (pun intended!) and gain the skills you need to advance. As a Junior Stewardess, your responsibilities will include basic housekeeping, meal service, laundry, and guest care. You’ll be working under the guidance of more experienced crew members, which is a great way to learn and grow.

While being a Junior Stewardess can involve some less glamorous tasks, it’s an important stepping stone. With a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail, you’ll quickly gain the experience needed to move up in the ranks.

Now that you know what the job entails and how much you can earn, let’s talk about the best way to actually land a position as a yacht stewardess.

1. Complete the Required Training

Before you can work as a stewardess, you’ll need to complete some basic training. The most important certifications are the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and ENG 1 seafarer medical certificate. This course covers essential safety training, including fire fighting, first aid, and survival techniques.

Many stewardesses also complete additional courses, such as Silver Service (for high-end dining service), Food Handling Safety, and Interior Management. These certifications can help you stand out when applying for jobs.

2. Create a Standout CV

Your CV is your first impression, so make sure it’s professional and tailored to the yachting industry. Highlight any hospitality or customer service experience, as these skills are highly transferable to a stewardess role.

3. Dock Walking

One of the ways to land a yacht job is through dock walking. This involves physically walking along the docks in popular yachting destinations (like Fort Lauderdale or Antibes) and introducing yourself to captains and crew. Bring copies of your CV, dress professionally, and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and availability.

4. Use Crew Agencies

There are several crew agencies that specialize in placing yacht crew. These agencies can help match you with yachts looking for stewardesses. Some popular agencies include YPI Crew, Bluewater Yachting, and Crewseekers.

5. Network

The yachting industry is small, and networking can go a long way. Attend yacht shows, follow yacht stews on social media, crew parties, and industry events to meet people and make connections. You never know when someone you meet might know of a job opening on a yacht.

Becoming a yacht stewardess is an exciting career that offers the opportunity to travel to beautiful destinations, meet interesting people, and earn a good salary. While the job can be demanding, the rewards—including tips, travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—make it an attractive option for those with a passion for adventure and hospitality.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of yachting, start by getting your certifications, brushing up on your hospitality skills, and hitting the docks in search of your next big adventure!