How Much Does a Cruise Ship Driver Get Paid?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ship drivers make their living navigating the world’s oceans and seas. With the rise of cruise travel, more and more cruise ships require captains, deckhands, and other staff members to make sure passengers are safe and comfortable during their voyage.

But how much does a cruise ship driver get paid? It varies widely depending on the type of vessel, experience level, and job title.

Captains typically earn the highest salary of all cruise ship employees. According to PayScale, captains on a large cruise line can expect to make between $80,000 and $160,000 per year.

However, pay for captains can be much higher if they captain a private yacht or smaller vessel. On the other end of the spectrum, deckhands (who are responsible for maintaining the ship) typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 per year.

The amount that a cruise ship driver earns also depends on what type of vessel they are working on. For example, a captain on a luxury liner will likely earn more than a captain on a smaller vessel like a ferry or tour boat. Additionally, those who have more experience in the industry will typically receive higher pay than those who are just starting out.

The Benefits of Being a Cruise Ship Driver

In addition to potentially earning high salaries as captains or deckhands on larger vessels, working as a cruise ship driver also comes with many other benefits. Cruise lines often offer their employees free room and board while they’re aboard the vessel in addition to competitive wages. Furthermore, many drivers get to experience some amazing places around the world without having to pay for their own travel expenses.

Conclusion

Cruise ship drivers have an exciting job that comes with great benefits like free room and board while abroad. The amount that they get paid varies widely depending on which type of vessel they are working on as well as their experience level but typically ranges from $25k-$160k per year.