Bravo’s Below Deck franchise remains one of the network’s biggest reality hits. The original show has now spawned five franchise iterations, and new seasons are still rolling out. While the guests bring the chaos, the crew’s pay continues to be a major talking point among fans.
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 Well
Stews are some of the hardest working crew members on board, handling the interior and guest experience. 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 Earn the Most
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. Business Insider also reported that captains can make upward of $16,000 a month.
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
Working on Below Deck is not just about base pay. Crew members also receive charter tips, which can add a significant amount to their earnings.
Cast members have also said they receive a relatively modest fee for filming. In 2024, multiple reports said Below Deck talent makes about $5,000 to $6,000 per month from the show side, while tips are paid separately. Recent Bravo coverage showed a $28,000 final tip on Below Deck Season 12, which worked out to $2,153 per crew member.
There is also the potential to earn money away from the show through sponsorships and brand deals. Captain Lee Rosbach, for example, has partnered with brands including Maui Jim and Can-Am On-Road.
Cast Member Insights on Compensation
While the compensation is competitive within the yachting industry, some cast members have expressed concerns about pay disparities compared to other reality TV personalities.
Eddie Lucas, a former first officer on Below Deck, stated:
“We are still not getting paid what people like the Housewives are making, which is a little frustrating, because they’re not really working — they’re just going out to dinner and fighting.”
Similarly, Ashley Marti from Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3 confirmed the appearance fee range and criticized the pay discrepancy, noting that other Bravo stars earn significantly more per episode.
