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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

How much Below Deck crew are paid - and staggering amount of cash they make from tips

We know that the guests on Below Deck are stinking rich - but how much are the crew making?

Floating around the Caribbean or Mediterranean would sound like a dream job to many of us, but viewers of the hit Bravo reality show know it's never plain sailing.

They have to abide by the guests' every demand, however ludicrous they may be, while cooking, serving, cleaning, entertaining and keeping the passengers safe.

All the hard work is usually worth it at the end of the charter when the crew sits down to receive their tip, although there are times when they are left disappointment.

The 'yachties' don't actually work on the Below Deck vessel for the entire yachting season, which typically lasts four to five months, but we can estimate their earnings.

Captain Lee earns way more than the rest of the crew (Daily Record)

According to Refinery 29 and Crewfinders, a second and third steward(ess) on a yacht the size of My Seanna would earn an average of about $5,000 per month.

While a chief steward(ess) such as the legendary Kate Chastain will be taking home more like $5,500 to $6,000 a month.

For those working on the exterior of the boat, a deckhand would make $3,500 to $4,500 a month and a bosun would nab $5,000 a month.

Now the money really starts to shoot up, as chefs such as Ben Robinson are paid $7,000 to $10,000 per month.

But the mega bucks go to the top dogs, Captain Lee and Captain Sandy, who on a 185-foot superyacht make between $150-$210,000 a year.

Then you have to add on the tips, reportedly average at around $15,000 per person for about six weeks of work.

It's also believed the crew receives a small extra fee for being part of the TV show - and the food and drink they consume on the boat is all paid for.

There is a lot of boat to look after (Below Deck Mediterranean)

The crew are able to save up a lot of cash while they're away, as they don't have to pay any bills or tax.

If they're careful with money, some of the stars only work for four months of the year from what they earn.

Ryhlee Gerber has said: "Of course I'm very frugal and live a pretty minimalist lifestyle.

"But I was able to stretch the two months I worked on My Seanna on Below Deck, plus about 60 days working in Alaska."

Deckhand Colin Macy O'Toole told The Cheat Sheet that he regretted not getting into the industry earlier, saying: "I'd probably start right out of college at age 22 and then put in about five years of work on yachts.

"Depending on where you live, you could even save enough money to buy a house."

After becoming reality TV stars, the crew can also make a lot of money from appearing on other shows and becoming influencers on social media.

Those drinks need to be paid for (Bravo)

As you can imagine, it costs more than an arm and a leg to get yourself a spot on the Below Deck yacht.

With its own gym, sauna, movie room, top deck jacuzzi, slide and water toys, you would expect to fork out a small fortune.

Captain Lee recently replied to a follower who asked about the going rate to stay on one of his boats, explaining it was "about $350,000 a week plus, plus, plus".

The glaring "plus" that Lee was referring to was the guest's food and drink, as none of it is included in their price.

"Nope," Lee replied to one follower who asked if the extortionate six-figure fee covered fancy meals and endless booze on-board the flashy yachts.

"Food and drinks not included!!!??? My god," Tweeted one follower. While another revealed: "They get a bill for it and for the excursions."

The guests do get a special TV discount, but they pay with their own money and decide on the tip amount, which may explain why it sometimes comes in light.

Do you have a story to share? Email webfeatures@trinitymirror.com

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