Yachting · Mid
Bosun Salary
Compensation benchmarks from 255 verified sources including industry surveys, published reports, and market intelligence.
National Compensation Range
P25
$45,000
25th percentile
P50
$60,000
Median
P75
$80,000
75th percentile
CANDIDATE MARKET
Competitive
Scarcity: 4.5/10
EST. CANDIDATE POOL
200-400
Active candidates globally
DEMAND TREND
Stable
5% year-over-year
RETENTION
2.5 yr avg tenure
22% annual turnover
Bosun Salary by City
Median (P50) adjusted for metro cost of labor.
Market Trends
Stable demand; experienced bosuns with paint/varnish skills command premium
Also Known As
Boatswain, Deck Boss, Lead Deckhand (Senior), Bosun / Deck Supervisor, Bo'sun, Bos'n, Head of Deck
What Does a Bosun Do?
The Bosun 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 3 to 6 years of relevant experience. Classified at the Mid level, this position draws from a competitive candidate pool, though specialized qualifications and sector-specific experience remain key differentiators in hiring.
What Drives Bosun Compensation?
The median (P50) compensation for a Bosun is $60,000, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning $45,000 to $80,000. The 55% 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.
Bosun Career Path
Professionals who move into Bosun 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 2.5 years, with an annual turnover rate of 22%.
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