Yachting · Entry
3rd Engineer (Yacht) Salary
Compensation benchmarks from 255 verified sources including industry surveys, published reports, and market intelligence.
National Compensation Range
P25
$50,000
25th percentile
P50
$65,000
Median
P75
$90,000
75th percentile
CANDIDATE MARKET
Competitive
Scarcity: 4/10
EST. CANDIDATE POOL
200-400
Active candidates globally
DEMAND TREND
Stable
5% year-over-year
RETENTION
2 yr avg tenure
25% annual turnover
3rd Engineer (Yacht) Salary by City
Median (P50) adjusted for metro cost of labor.
Market Trends
Stable demand; pathway to 2nd engineer role
Also Known As
Third Engineer (Yacht), Junior Engineer (Yacht), 3/E (Yacht), Engineering Cadet (Yacht), 3rd Eng
What Does a 3rd Engineer (Yacht) Do?
The 3rd Engineer (Yacht) operates aboard private and charter yachts, managing vessel operations, crew, and guest experiences for yacht owners and charter clients. Professionals in this role typically bring 1 to 3 years of relevant experience. Classified at the Entry level, this position draws from a competitive candidate pool, though specialized qualifications and sector-specific experience remain key differentiators in hiring.
What Drives 3rd Engineer (Yacht) Compensation?
The median (P50) compensation for a 3rd Engineer (Yacht) is $65,000, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning $50,000 to $90,000. The 62% spread between P25 and P75 reflects significant pay variation driven by vessel length and type (motor vs. sailing), charter vs. private program, crew size, operating region, and required certifications (MCA, STCW, ISM). Demand is holding stable, with compensation levels expected to track broader market adjustments.
3rd Engineer (Yacht) Career Path
Professionals who move into 3rd Engineer (Yacht) roles most commonly come from commercial maritime, cruise line operations, naval service, or hospitality management with maritime crossover. From this position, the typical trajectory leads toward larger vessel commands, fleet management, yacht management company leadership, or shoreside marine operations director roles. The average tenure in this role is approximately 2 years, with an annual turnover rate of 25%.
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