The Mediterranean Season: An Overview
The Mediterranean superyacht season typically runs from late April through October, with peak activity in July and August. For crew, this means two critical hiring windows:
- Pre-season (February – April): When most serious employers fill permanent and seasonal positions. The best roles are gone before Easter.
- In-season (May – August): Last-minute hires, cover positions and replacements.
Most In-Demand Positions for 2025
1. Chief Stewardess / Head of Interior
Consistently the hardest position to fill. Experienced Chief Stews with strong charter service backgrounds, WSET certification, and proven management skills are in very short supply. Employers are willing to pay premiums of 15–20% above standard rates.
2. ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)
The growth of hybrid propulsion, complex AV systems and cybersecurity requirements has made qualified ETOs the most technically scarce crew members. If you hold an ETO certification, you are effectively setting your own salary.
3. Chef / Head Chef
Charter-focused yachts want chefs who can produce diverse menus at the highest level. Michelin-trained or fine dining backgrounds are increasingly expected on vessels over 40m.
4. Bosun
Experienced bosuns — who can manage a deck team, run tenders, and handle anchor watches — remain scarce.
Salary Benchmarks for Med 2025
All figures are monthly gross in EUR:
| Position | Entry / Junior | Experienced | Senior / Top Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deckhand | €2,000 – €2,500 | €2,500 – €3,000 | €3,000 – €3,500 |
| Bosun | €3,000 – €3,500 | €3,500 – €4,500 | €4,500 – €5,500 |
| Chief Officer | €4,500 – €5,500 | €5,500 – €7,000 | €7,000 – €9,000 |
| Captain (50m+) | €8,000 – €10,000 | €10,000 – €14,000 | €14,000 – €20,000+ |
| Chief Stewardess | €3,500 – €4,500 | €4,500 – €6,000 | €6,000 – €8,000 |
| Chef (30m+) | €4,000 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €7,000 | €7,000 – €10,000+ |
| Chief Engineer | €5,500 – €7,000 | €7,000 – €9,000 | €9,000 – €13,000+ |
| ETO | €4,500 – €5,500 | €5,500 – €7,500 | €7,500 – €10,000+ |
Key Med Bases to Know
- Antibes (Port Vauban) — The heart of the Med superyacht world.
- Palma de Mallorca — Major refit hub with a strong year-round crew community.
- Monaco / Nice — High-end charter focus. Best for experienced senior crew.
- Barcelona — Growing importance, particularly for larger motor yachts.
- Genoa / La Spezia — Strong Italian fleet presence, good for engineering roles.
Tips for Getting Hired This Season
- Update your profile now — availability status, latest certifications and a current photo
- Be specific about vessel types — employers want crew who know their environment
- Get to Antibes or Palma by late March — physical presence still matters for senior roles
- Set your salary expectations honestly — unrealistic figures will cost you interviews
- References matter enormously — a strong reference from a respected captain is worth more than a CV