Employer Registration
- LocationPalm Beach, FL, USA
- SalaryDepends on Experience
- Vessel Length211' to 275' (65 to 84 meters)
- Vessel FlagCayman Islands
Yacht Jobs in Florida
Are you an experienced captain or a Bosun looking for yacht jobs in Florida? You're in the right place. Florida is unarguably the yachting capital of the global market. Sitting at an exciting crossroads of maritime activity, it has bustling marinas, an active charter scene all year round, and a growing demand for skilled crew. Whether you're chasing your entry-level position in the yachting industry or moving into a senior position,Florida has several opportunities worth exploring.
Meridian connects superyacht professionals like you to the world's most premium crew recruiters through our simple platform. Create your profile today, start applying, and get started with your yachting career.
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Deckhand
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Full-Time
Job Filled
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- LocationPalm Beach, FL, USA
- SalaryDepends on Experience
- Vessel Length211' to 275' (65 to 84 meters)
- Vessel FlagCayman Islands
Sole Steward(ess)
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Salary250 per day
- Vessel Length80' to 110' (25 to 33 meters)
- Vessel FlagUnited States of America
Sole Steward(ess)
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Salary$6,000 to $7,000
- Vessel Length80' to 110' (25 to 33 meters)
- Vessel FlagUnited States of America
Deck/Steward(ess)
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Salary$5,500 to $7,000
- Vessel Length80' to 110' (25 to 33 meters)
- Vessel FlagForeign (Non-US)
Cook/Steward(ess)
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Salary$6,000 to $7,000
- Vessel Length80' to 110' (25 to 33 meters)
- Vessel FlagUnited States of America
Mate
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Salary$6,000 to $7,000
- Vessel Length111' to 144' (34 to 44 meters)
- Vessel FlagUnited States of America
Chef
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- SalaryDepends on Experience
- Vessel Length111' to 144' (34 to 44 meters)
- Vessel FlagForeign (Non-US)
Stew/Pilates Instructor
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- SalaryDepends on Experience
- Vessel Length211' to 275' (65 to 84 meters)
- Vessel FlagForeign (Non-US)
Chief Stewardess
Job Filled
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- LocationFort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- SalaryDepends on Experience
- Vessel Length145' to 175' (45 to 53 meters)
- Vessel FlagUnited States of America
Why Work in Florida?
Florida draws vessels for several reasons. Favorable weather windows, quality marina services, and its position along key yachting routes are some of the examples. For the crew, that translates into a market with both seasonal bursts and steady background demand.
- The region supports a range of vessel types, from luxury charter yachts to explorer-style boats and privately owned superyachts. Each vessel type creates different crew needs, so the diversity of work here is genuinely broad.
- Hiring in Florida mirrors the broader US yachting migration: fall preparation, spring season startup, and summer activity. Targeting your availability to these windows improves your chances significantly.
- Interior crew (stewards, chefs, and hospitality professionals) find particularly strong demand in Florida during the charter season, when owners expect a high standard of onboard service.
Yacht Job Salaries in Florida
Yacht crew salaries in Florida are highly dependent on the size of the vessel, role, and the purpose of the yacht. On a quick analysis of the industry trends from 2024 to 2026, there's a steady 8-10% hike in salaries due to the increasing demand for specialized skills.
National Average:
| Yacht Crew Average Annual Salary Chart (USD) | |||
| Position | Small Yacht (<100ft) | Mid-Size Yacht (100–160ft) | Superyacht (160ft+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | $85,000 – $130,000 | $135,000 – $210,000 | $220,000 – $440,000+ |
| Chief Engineer | $75,000 – $100,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 | $160,000 – $200,000+ |
| Chef (Head/Sole) | $65,000 – $85,000 | $90,000 – $120,000 | $130,000 – $160,000+ |
| Chief Stewardess | $60,000 – $75,000 | $80,000 – $105,000 | $110,000 – $140,000 |
| First Officer/Mate | $60,000 – $80,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | $115,000 – $145,000 |
| Bosun/Lead Deck | $50,000 – $60,000 | $65,000 – $75,000 | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| Stewardess (Junior) | $38,000 – $48,000 | $45,000 – $55,000 | $55,000 – $70,000 |
| Deckhand (Junior) | $36,000 – $45,000 | $42,000 – $52,000 | $55,000 – $68,000 |
Seasonal vs. Permanent Roles
- Temporary crew or freelancers get a higher daily rate (daywork) in return for the lack of long-term security. Meanwhile, permanent roles make a steady monthly income with regular raises, often at a rate of 5 to 10%.
- Temporary crew members also often earn through tips. Charter vessels provide higher tips. On average, each crew member can make from $1000 to #3000+ in tips above their base salary. Whereas permanent positions can earn you additional benefits in the form of health insurance, annual flight allowances to home port, and paid leave, etc.
- If you're looking forward to building your CV or those who want to travel without a yearly commitment, working as a yacht crew in {state} is a great way to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online job boards like Meridian and social media platforms are arguably the most active places where you can look for day work and last-minute yacht job openings. However, using both the online and offline modes for searching jobs is the best way. Visit ports and ask for jobs in person, build connections with yacht crew members, and offer day work services if you're new.
Look for cities with established marinas, boatyards, or charter companies in Florida. The more vessels that pass through an area, the more crew turnover, and therefore, more job opportunities.
Most employers want to see STCW, at minimum, a valid ENG1 or equivalent medical certificate, and a background check clearance. Additional certifications in safety, first aid, and powerboat handling all make your application stronger.
Yes, there are. Based on weather, charter demand, and vessel migration, seasonal hiring in Florida usually follows a predictable pattern. You have a significant advantage when timing your applications if you understand that cycle.
Salaries across yachting roles in Florida reflect the US market rate. Captain and chief engineer positions on super yachts can command six-figure annual salaries. Newer crews usually start lower but grow quickly as they gain hours and certifications.
The most reliable hiring in Florida is driven by busy boatyards and marinas exclusive for private and non-industrial yachts. You are in the right place at the right time if you know which facilities handle the biggest vessels and when they are busiest.
In Florida, the primary way that you can find and apply for yacht jobs is through job boards. Create a free account online on Meridian, a yacht recruitment platform with hundreds of job listings from Florida. Upload your CV and other essential documents, and start applying directly to open positions. Our One Click Apply feature makes it fast, so you can apply to multiple roles in minutes.
Why Use Meridian for Your Yacht Career?
Meridian has helped thousands of yacht owners, management companies, and recruiters find exceptional captains and crew for amazing yacht vacancies since Crew4Yachts was founded in 2006, continuing after its acquisition in 2020.
Beyond this, here are other reasons why you should use Meridian to jump-start your yacht career:
- Fast hiring cycle: It takes less than 2 minutes to upload your CV so that hiring yacht owners, captains, and recruiters can search our platform to find, contact, shortlist, and hire you.
- Trusted by captains and recruiters globally: We have been in the game since 2006, constantly connecting owners and recruiters with competent captains.
- Easy-to-use yacht crew database: Our platform is user-friendly, making it the best choice for owners, captains, and recruiters.
- Meridian grows with you: Today, you may be looking for work; tomorrow, you may be looking for crew. Within your account, you can easily switch from crew to employer.
Posting job vacancies or searching our platform for experienced crew takes just a few minutes.
How Our Platform Works
Join for free in under two minutes. Instantly get discovered by hundreds of employers hiring yacht crew, receive job alerts tailored to you, and apply for opportunities around the world.
1Join for Free
Upload your CV to create your account. If you'd like, you can also add qualifications and references.
2Be Found
Employers can find and contact you directly using keyword search, just like Google.
3One Click Apply
Apply through our job alert emails or directly from our website.
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