Yacht Engineer Salary 2026: €3,500–€15,000 a Month by Role
How much do yacht engineers make?
Yacht engineers earn from about €3,500 a month as a motorman to €13,000–€15,000+ as chief engineer on a 100m+ yacht, according to YPI Crew's 2026 engineer salary guide (March 2026). A sole engineer on a 30–40m boat starts around €5,000–€7,000, and ETOs on 60m+ earn €7,000–€10,000+. On charter yachts, tips come on top.
Updated October 2026. All figures are gross monthly base pay before tips, in euros unless stated. Annual figures are monthly ×12.
Two things drive yacht engineer pay more than anything else: the size of the yacht (more kilowatts means a bigger ticket and more responsibility) and the ticket you hold. Longevity matters too. YPI says engineers who stay on one boat are "highly sought after at all levels," and a long stint is what lets you ask for more when you move.
Yacht engineer salary by role
These are YPI's 2026 ranges across all yacht sizes. They're the same figures we use in our yacht crew salary guide.
| Role | Typical yacht size | Monthly (YPI 2026) | Annual (×12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorman | 80m+ | €3,500–€5,000 | €42,000–€60,000 |
| 3rd engineer | 60m+ | €4,000–€6,000 | €48,000–€72,000 |
| 2nd engineer | 40m+ | €4,500–€9,000 | €54,000–€108,000 |
| 1st engineer | 100m+ | €8,500–€10,000 | €102,000–€120,000 |
| Chief / sole engineer | 30m+ | €5,000–€15,000+ | €60,000–€180,000+ |
| ETO / AV-IT officer | 60m+ | €7,000–€10,000+ | €84,000–€120,000+ |
Most yacht crew don't pay income tax on board, but that depends on where you're tax resident, not on the yacht. Treat these as gross numbers until you've checked your own situation.
Chief engineer salary by yacht size
Chief engineer is where the money is, and it's where the guides disagree most. Here's YPI's 2026 table next to the UKSA Superyacht Salary Guide (market as of January 2025):
| Yacht size | YPI 2026 (monthly) | Annual (×12) | UKSA Jan 2025 (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–40m | €5,000–€7,000 | €60,000–€84,000 | not listed |
| 40–50m | €6,500–€8,000 | €78,000–€96,000 | €7,000–€9,500 (45–50m) |
| 50–60m | €8,000–€12,000 | €96,000–€144,000 | €8,500–€12,000 (50–55m); €6,500–€8,000 (55–60m) |
| 60–80m | €11,000–€12,000+ | €132,000–€144,000+ | €7,000–€10,000 (60–70m); €8,500+ (70m+) |
| 80–100m | €12,000–€15,000 | €144,000–€180,000 | €8,500+ (70m+) |
| 100m+ | €13,000–€15,000+ | €156,000–€180,000+ | €8,500+ (70m+) |
The two sources roughly agree up to about 55m. Above 60m, UKSA sits well below YPI, and YPI itself explains why: starting packages on some yachts "have not kept pace with market expectations," most of all at 60m and above. In practice, a 70m boat that wants a strong chief pays YPI-level money. The ones offering less struggle to hire.
For a third data point, Quay Crew's chief engineer survey (reported December 2023, 100+ chiefs on 40–100m+ yachts) found an average of €11,479 a month, up from €9,955 in 2022. The highest salary reported was €20,000 a month on a 70–79m yacht.
Sole engineer: the small-boat chief
On 30–40m yachts (and some up to 50m), the chief is the only engineer. The job pays €5,000–€7,000 a month, is usually non-rotational, and you own every system on board: mains, generators, watermakers, black water, AC, tenders and toys. Nobody covers for you when a generator trips at 3am.
Generators keep running at anchor and alongside without shore power, and on a small yacht there's only one engineer to answer when one trips. Photo: Eduard47, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Sole engineer is a great job for learning fast and saving money. It's also the role most likely to burn you out. If you're comparing it with a rotational 2nd engineer job on a bigger boat, weigh the time off as well as the monthly number.
Superyacht engineer salary below chief
Below chief, YPI 2026 breaks monthly pay down like this:
| Yacht size | 2nd engineer | 3rd engineer | ETO / AV-IT | Motorman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40–50m | €4,500–€5,000 | — | — | — |
| 50–60m | €5,500–€7,000 | — | — | — |
| 60–80m | €7,000–€8,000 | €4,000–€5,500 | €7,000–€8,500 | — |
| 80–100m | €7,500–€9,000 | €5,000–€6,000 | €8,500–€10,000+ | €3,500–€5,000 |
| 100m+ | €6,500–€7,500 | €5,000–€6,000 | €9,000–€10,000+ | €3,500–€5,000 |
- 2nd engineer pay dips on 100m+. Those boats add a 1st engineer (€8,500–€10,000) between the chief and the second engineer, so the 2nd becomes a more junior role.
- 2nd engineer on 50–60m is often the first job where your ticket really pays. YPI puts a permanent EOOW new entrant there at €5,500–€6,500.
- Motorman is the entry rung on big yachts. It needs an STCW III/4 rating, it's usually rotational, and it pays more than most green deck jobs.
Yacht engineer salary in US dollars
Boats based in the US (Fort Lauderdale, the Caribbean, the East Coast) mostly pay in dollars, and there's little current public data for them. The most detailed engineer breakdown we could verify is Dockwalk's 2019 salary survey. It's dated, so treat these as floors, not current rates.
| Boat length | Approx. metres | Chief/sole engineer (2019) | 2nd engineer (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80–99 ft | 24–30m | $3,500–$7,500 | — |
| 120–139 ft | 37–42m | $5,500–$9,000 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| 160–179 ft | 49–55m | $7,000–$12,000 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 200–239 ft | 61–73m | $10,000–$15,000 | $7,000–$9,000+ |
| 240 ft+ | 73m+ | $13,000–$15,000 | $8,000–$9,500+ |
Monthly, USD, ranges supplied by crew agencies. Excludes tips, benefits and longevity.
YPI's 2026 guide gives a more current signal. It says mid-licensed chief engineers currently earn more in the US than highly qualified chiefs get on European temporary contracts, and that European relief day rates aren't keeping pace. If you freelance, the US is worth a look. For relief and daywork rates, see yacht crew day rates for 2026.
Do yacht engineers get tips?
Yes, on charter yachts. The MYBA guideline that most Med charters follow suggests 5–15% of the base charter fee, with 10% common for a week. Yacht Charter Fleet notes that most boats split tips equally among all crew, engineers included, even though guests rarely see you.
In a busy season that can add a meaningful amount, but it's irregular. Some boats split by rank or by days on board, so ask how it works before you sign. Private yachts with no charter programme pay no tips. There, your package is base pay, rotation and benefits.
Rotation, leave and benefits
Rotation is now the norm for senior engineers. YPI 2026 says time-for-time rotation, "specifically 2:2," is the standard expectation for chief and 2nd engineers. Quay Crew's 2023 survey found nine in ten chiefs already on it. In YPI's tables, chiefs move to equal rotation from 50m (non-rotational on 30–40m), 2nd engineers from 50m and 3rds from 80m. Motormen and ETOs are rotational on every size that carries them.
On 2:2, check whether the quoted salary is paid only for months on board or spread across the year, because that changes your annual number a lot. Non-rotational jobs come with a leave allowance instead, so get the number of days in writing.
The sailing yacht Eos at the Lürssen yard in Lemwerder, Germany. Yard and refit periods are when the engineering department works hardest. Photo: Xocolatl, public domain.
Other things to check in an engineering package:
- Flights: the yacht usually pays for rotation and leave flights. Confirm the class and whether it's to your home airport.
- Medical insurance: standard on any reputable yacht. Check that it covers you on leave.
- Bonuses and pay rises: some contracts include a 13th-month or end-of-season bonus. Quay Crew found only 13% of chiefs had an annual pay rise written into their contract, though another 42% got one anyway.
- Training: a boat that funds your next CoC can be worth more than a few hundred euros a month.
UK crew: if you spend enough time outside the UK, the Seafarers' Earnings Deduction can take your employment income out of UK tax. The day-count rules are strict, so read HMRC's HS205 helpsheet (updated April 2026) and talk to an accountant who works with crew.
Which ticket pays which salary
Your ticket sets the ceiling on what you can earn. YPI 2026 lists these as typical requirements:
| Role / yacht size | Typical ticket |
|---|---|
| Chief/sole, 30–40m | AEC / EOOW |
| Chief, 40–50m | Y3 / SV Chief <3,000 kW, <500 GT |
| Chief, 50–80m | Y1 / SV Chief <9,000 kW, <3,000 GT |
| Chief, 80m+ | Y1 or Class I (Class I on 100m+) |
| 2nd engineer, 40–50m | AEC |
| 2nd engineer, 50–80m | Y3 / SV 2nd Engineer |
| 3rd engineer, 60m+ | AEC / EOOW |
| Motorman | STCW III/4 |
The MCA has replaced the old Y4–Y1 tickets with Small Vessel CoCs under MSN 1904, but you'll still see Y tickets in job ads. For sea time, the full ticket path and how to land your first engine-room job, read how to get a yacht engineer job.
FAQ
How much does a yacht engineer make a year?
Roughly €42,000 to €180,000+ in base pay before tips (YPI's 2026 monthly ranges ×12). On rotation, check whether you're paid only for the months on board.
How much does a chief engineer on a superyacht make?
€8,000–€12,000 a month on 50–60m and €12,000–€15,000+ on 80m and above (YPI 2026). Quay Crew's 2023 survey averaged €11,479 a month across 40–100m+.
Is an ETO paid more than a 2nd engineer?
Usually, or about the same. On 60–80m, YPI has the ETO at €7,000–€8,500 against €7,000–€8,000 for the 2nd. On 100m+ it's €9,000–€10,000+ against €6,500–€7,500.
Is a motorman paid more than a deckhand?
Generally yes. Motormen earn €3,500–€5,000 a month on 80m+ yachts (YPI 2026), usually on rotation. Compare with our deckhand salary guide.
Where to go from here
- New to yachting? Start with your ENG1 medical, STCW Basic Training and a yacht CV that works, then browse all yacht jobs.
- Comparing departments? See captain, stewardess and chef pay.
- Looking for work? Talk to the crew agencies in Antibes or in Fort Lauderdale. For daywork and relief, see where and when to position yourself.
Your yacht engineer salary comes down to ticket, yacht size and rotation, and captains often need an engineer at short notice. Create a free crew profile on Radius, upload your ENG1, STCW and CV, and check in at the port you're in. Captains, heads of department and recruiters looking for engineers nearby can then find you on a live map.