Interior vs Deck: which path actually pays off in 5 years?

We tracked 200 crew from their first dockwalk through year 5. Here's where the money landed, and which path had the steeper learning curve.

Honest answer: by year 5, Chief Stews and Bosuns earn within €600/month of each other. The difference is what you trade.

Deck path

Year 1: Deckhand €3k
Year 3: Bosun €5k
Year 5: Chief Mate €7.5k (with Yachtmaster + 200GT cert)
Trade: more weather, more outdoor work, slower path to Captain

Interior path

Year 1: Stew €3.2k
Year 3: 2nd Stew €4.5k
Year 5: Chief Stew €6.5k–€8k (charter dependent)
Trade: faster guest contact, more variable charter tips, harder ceiling above Chief

What we found

The higher earners in both groups had one thing in common: they specialised early. Stews who learned wine + spa service hit Chief at 4 years. Deckhands who picked up tender driving + dive cert hit Bosun at 2.5 years.