Bravo’s Below Deck has kept fans hooked since its premiere in 2013. After ten seasons and four spinoffs, the show remains a fan favorite. While fans enjoy watching the havoc-causing yachters, the real drama lies with the crew members. Although working aboard a superyacht is daunting, the yachties get a nice pay cheque to complement their hard work.
Here’s how much cast members of Below Deck earn while working on the show.
- Chief Stew: $6,000 per month
- Second and Third Stews: $5,000 per month
- Bosun: $5,000 per month
- Deckhands: $3,500 – $4,500 per month
- Captain: $150,000 – $210,000 per season
- Chef: $7,000 – $10,000 per month
The Stews Are Paid Handsomely
Stews are some of the hardest working cast members, overseeing everything in the interior. The position is hierarchical, with the second, third, and chief stew bearing different responsibilities.
The differences in their responsibilities reflect their pay, with the second and third stews earning an average of $5,000 per month and around $50,000 per charter season. The chief stews make slightly more than their juniors, with up to $6,000 per month and an estimated $75,000 per charter season.
Deckhands And Bosuns Are Well Compensated
The Deckhands and Bosuns are important crew positions that viewers don’t see enough of. Deckhands are integral to the smooth running of the yacht, overseeing the deck maintenance, setup, docking, and safety-related operations, while Bosuns are in charge of the deckhands.
For a job that requires so much physical dedication, deckhands are at the bottom of the salary scale, with a monthly salary running between $3,500 – $4,500 and an average of $50,000 per charter season. On the other hand, Bosuns earn $5,000 per month and approximately $52,000 per season.
Captains Take The Biggest Of The Pie
The captains are pivotal to running things Below Deck; they are responsible for the safety of guests and crew and supervision of crew members. Not surprisingly, Below Deck captains are on top of the salary scale.
According to Slice, captains are paid based on their experience, with the most experienced earning over $200,000. Typically, Below Deck captains such as Sandy Yawn and Lee Rosbach earn between $150,000 – $210,000 per season.
Chefs Make A Great Deal
What’s a superyacht without the masters of the kitchen? The Chefs, responsible for the exotic cuisine, make a decent salary for their role, based on their experience level. Chefs aboard Below Deck earn between $7,000 – $10,000 per month and up to $95,000 per charter season.
They Have Other Income Streams
Earning on Below Deck is more than just salaries; there are several means by which their regular pay is bumped up by thousands. Since the crew is doubling as a cast member on the show, they are paid a lump sum for appearances and get up to $5000 with end-of-charter tips from generous guests! Also there’s an opportunity to land brand endorsements on social media. Stud of the sea, Captain Lee has got sponsorship deals with Maui Jim sunglasses and Can-Am On-Road.
