Hiring a yacht crew in Dubai demands essential investment and legal requirements. So, whether you are charting a yacht for private leisure or commercial purposes, understanding crew salaries helps you set a budget. Moreover, it also helps candidates who want to work as a yacht crew understand the salary and the work requirements.
The best part is that you will know about the salaries of captains, engineers, stewards, and deckhands in this guide along with job responsibilities. But how much do you pay a yacht crew in Dubai? Get ready to unveil the answer to this to learn about Dubai’s thriving yacht industry.

How Much Do You Pay a Yacht Crew in Dubai?
Yacht salaries vary according to the yacht’s size, crew experience, and job role. On-site yacht crew members have different salary packages while freelance crew members get weekly or daily rates. Additionally, tips and bonuses also become a cherry on top.
Yacht Crew Salaries in Dubai
Yacht crew salaries varies and decrease upon experience and the role just like any other job. Starting with the captains, they earn between AED 25,000 to 60,000 per month while chief officers and engineers get salary around AED 15,000 to 40,000.
On the other hand, chefs can earn up to AED 10,000 to 30,000 which totally depends on their expertise. Moreover, deckhands and stewards usually receive AED 5000 to 15,000. However, remember that salaries can be higher if you work for luxury or charter yachts. Additionally, tips and bonuses can also increase your salary.
Factors That Affect Yacht Crew Salaries
Several factors influence yacht crew salaries in Dubai including experience, qualification, yacht size and job role. However, more experienced crew members with advanced certifications, such as STWC or RYA, command higher salaries. Nevertheless, larger and more luxury yachts demands more experience and specialized skills, that leads to better pay.
And as if that is not enough. The type of yacht plays a very important role. The smaller the yacht the lower the salary and thelargere the yacht is the higher the salary gets. And the good news? Seasonal demands can also impact salary along with tips and bonuses. Additionally, factors like contract type, onboard responsibilities, and employer expectations affect yacht crew earnings.
Freelance vs. Full-Time Yacht Crew
Freelance and full-time yacht crew positions in Dubai offer different advantages and pay structures. Starting with the freelance crew member work on short-term contracts often earns higher daily or weekly rates. In case you might be asking yourself. The freelancing rates range from AED 500 to 2500 per day depending on their role.
Now for the other part of the story. Full-time yacht crew receive monthly salaries and stable contracts. Meanwhile, other perks include on-board lodging, meals, and bonuses. Remember that while full-time positions provide financial security, freelance roles can be more independent and more lucrative during peak yachting seasons.
Tips and Bonuses
Tips and bonuses enhance the yacht crew earnings in Dubai especially on the charter yachts. Guests typically tip 5 to 15% of the charter fee which is distributed among the crew. And the best part is that it boosts overall income. Moreover, high-end luxury charters often offer huge gratuities for exceptional service.
On the other hand, full time crew member may receive performance-based bonuses, holiday incentives or loyalty rewards from yacht owners. Then again freelance crew members though lacks fixed bonuses can still ear substantial tips during peak seasons. Meanwhile, exceptional service, professionalism, and guest satisfaction plays a great role in getting tips and bonuses.
Legal Requirements and Contracts for Hiring Yacht Crew in Dubai
Hiring a yacht crew in Dubai involves legal requirements and contracts to ensure meeting with the laws. Starting with the STCW which is standards of training, certification, and watch keeping certification. Moreover, proper visas and medical insurance also important for that.
Meanwhile, employment contracts should outline salary, working hours, benefits and duties. And the most important, termination conditions must be mentioned to protect both the employer and the crew. But wait, for commercial yachts hiring must comply with UAE labor laws and maritime regulations. While private yacht owners may have more flexibility.
FAQs
What is the salary of a deckhand in Dubai?
Deckhands usually earn around AED 5000 to 15000 per month. Moreover, their pay also increases based on experience and yacht type.
Do yacht crew members receive tips?
Yes, especially on the charter yachts crew members receive tips. In case you might be asking yourself. The tip ranges from 5-15 of the charter fee.
How do I hire a yacht crew in Dubai?
You can hire yacht crew members through yacht management companies, crew agencies, and personal referrals.
Is it better to work as a freelance or a full-time yacht crew in Dubai?
Freelance yacht crew earns higher on daily/weekly rates but lacks other benefits. Meanwhile,the full-time crew receives stable incomes along with accommodations and bonuses.