How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make?

Cruise ships have become increasingly popular over the years, offering passengers a luxurious and relaxing way to travel the world. But have you ever wondered about the people who work behind the scenes to make these cruises possible? Cruise ship workers play a vital role in ensuring that passengers have a memorable and enjoyable experience while on board. However, the pay and working conditions of these workers have long been a topic of debate. In this article, we will take a closer look at how much cruise ship workers make and explore the factors that affect their salaries.

Types of cruise ship workers

Cruise ships are like mini-cities, and they require a vast and diverse workforce to keep things running smoothly. Here are some of the most common types of cruise ship workers:

Deck and Navigation Staff: This includes positions such as captain, officers, and helmsmen who are responsible for navigating the ship safely.

Hotel and Hospitality Staff: This includes jobs such as housekeeping, food and beverage service, and customer service.

Entertainment Staff: This includes performers, DJs, and other crew members who are responsible for organizing and performing entertainment activities.

Maintenance Staff: This includes technicians and engineers who are responsible for maintaining the ship's mechanical systems and infrastructure.

Medical Staff: This includes doctors and nurses who provide medical care to passengers and crew members.

Retail Staff: This includes sales associates who work in the onboard shops and boutiques.

Administrative Staff: This includes personnel who work in the ship's offices, such as HR, finance, and IT professionals.

Each of these positions plays an important role in ensuring that the cruise ship runs smoothly and that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

How much do cruise ship workers make?

As there is a vast range of job opportunities on a cruise ship, it is difficult to determine a particular salary that a worker can anticipate. The salary can fluctuate significantly for various positions, even within a particular job category, as evidenced by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting an average salary of around $100,000 per year for all water vessel captains, mates, and pilots, but the pay can vary for specific roles within that group.

The salaries of cruise ship workers can be influenced by various factors, including their job position. Different job positions on a cruise ship have different pay scales, and some positions may pay more than others, depending on the level of skill or expertise required. For example, the salary of a cruise ship captain would be higher than that of a hospitality staff member.

Another factor that can impact a cruise ship worker's salary is their level of experience and seniority. Workers who have been with a cruise company for a longer time and have gained experience and expertise in their job may receive higher salaries compared to new workers.

Moreover, the cruise company that a worker is employed with can also play a role in determining their salary. Some cruise companies offer better compensation and benefits packages than others, which may influence a worker's decision to work with a particular company.

Other factors that can affect the salary of cruise ship workers include the size and type of the cruise ship they work on, the destination of the cruise, and the length of the cruise. For example, workers on larger and more luxurious cruise ships may receive higher salaries than those on smaller, budget-oriented ships.

Additionally, the level of demand for a particular job can also influence its pay. If a particular job is in high demand and there are fewer workers with the required skills or qualifications, then the pay for that job may be higher.

Finally, the type of contract that a worker has can also impact their salary. Short-term contracts may offer higher salaries due to the shorter duration of work, while long-term contracts may offer lower salaries but more job security and stability.

Cruise ship employees enjoy supplementary perks beyond their wages such as accommodation, sustenance, healthcare and food, leading to a decrease in their living expenditures while they are on a scheduled cruise.
Further, cruise ship workers typically work longer hours, which adds up to more income for hourly employees. They also usually receive highly discounted cruise rates for themselves and family members.

Types of cruise ships jobs and salaries

There are various types of jobs available on a cruise ship, ranging from entry-level positions to more specialized roles that require advanced training and qualifications. Below are some examples of cruise ship jobs and their estimated salaries (which can vary depending on the cruise line and experience level):

1. Receptionist
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,000 per year
Primary duties include welcoming guests, handling check-in and check-out procedures, accepting payments, and providing guests with relevant information. It is important for receptionists to possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to handle challenging situations with patience and professionalism.

Read more: Receptionist in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

2. Waiter / Waitress
Salary range: $25,000 - $36,000 per year
Primary duties include greeting customers, taking orders, answering questions about menu items, suggesting menu items, and serving food and beverages. Waiters must ensure that customers receive their orders correctly, promptly, and with a pleasant attitude. They must also handle payment transactions and make sure that the dining area is clean and well-maintained.

Read more: Waiter / Waitress in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

3. Food service worker
Salary range: $27,000 - $36,000 per year
Primary duties: Food service workers are in charge of food and beverage preparation, storage and service. They should enjoy working with people and have basic math skills. They report to restaurant managers and usually work nontraditional hours, especially for opening shifts.

4. Nurse
Salary range: $60,000 - $75,000 per year
As a nurse on a cruise ship, primary duties include providing medical care to passengers and crew members, managing the ship's medical facilities, administering medications and treatments, and responding to medical emergencies. The nurse is responsible for assessing and triaging patients, maintaining medical records, and communicating with the ship's captain and other medical professionals as needed. They must also maintain a clean and organized medical facility.

Read more: Nurse in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

5. Paramedic
Salary range: $43,000 - $56,000 per year
Primary duties include responding quickly to emergency calls, assessing patients' medical conditions, administering life-saving treatments, and transporting patients to cruise's medical facilities for further care.

6. Electrician
Salary range: $40,000 - $53,000 per year
The primary duties of an electrician on a cruise ship are to maintain and repair electrical systems, such as lighting, power distribution, and entertainment systems. They must be able to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair any electrical issues that arise, as well as follow safety protocols and procedures. They will be required to inspect, test, and certify all electrical systems on the ship, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Read more: Electrician in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

7. Entertainer
Salary range: $34,000 - $49,000 per year 
Primary duties: Entertainers are cruise workers, such as a singer, dancer, or comedian, whose job is to entertain guests.

8. Veterinarian
Salary range: $50,000 - $75,000 per year
A veterinarian on a cruise ship is responsible for providing medical care and treatment to the animals onboard the ship. They ensure the health and welfare of any pets, or service animals, that may be traveling with passengers or crew members. In emergency situations, the veterinarian is responsible for making critical medical decisions and providing immediate care to animals in need.
Learn About Being a Veterinarian in The USA

9. Hairdresser
Salary range: $30,000 - $45,000 per year
As a hairdresser on a cruise ship, their duties involve providing hairdressing services to passengers on board. They are responsible for cutting, coloring, styling, and treating hair according to the customer's preferences. In addition, they must maintain a clean and organized workspace and ensure that all equipment is sanitized and in good working order. They may also be required to promote and sell salon products to customers.
Read more: Hairdresser in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

10. Hotel manager
Salary range: $50,000 - $85,000 per year plus tips
Cruise ship Hotel Managers are responsible for overseeing the hotel department, creating staff schedules, and ensuring positive guest experiences. They need to have strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills in order to coordinate the hotel services, such as room service, and ensure that all guests have a pleasant stay.
Read more: Hotel manager in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

11. Physician
Salary range: $65,000 - $95,000 per year
A physician on a cruise ship is responsible for providing medical care and emergency services to passengers and crew members. They must be available at all times to respond to any medical emergencies that may arise, such as injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions. In addition to providing medical care, the physician is also responsible for managing the ship's medical facilities, including maintaining medical supplies, equipment, and medication. The physician must work closely with the ship's captain and crew to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members.

Read more: Physician in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

12. Plumber
Salary range: $37,000 - $54,000 per year
A Plumber on a cruise ship is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all plumbing systems. This includes repairing, and maintaining bathroom fixtures, water heaters, pipes and drains, and other plumbing components. They must be able to identify and fix problems quickly and accurately to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Read more: Plumber in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

13. Security officer
Salary range: $35,000 - $50,000 per year
Security officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the ship, responding to security and safety issues, and providing assistance during ship emergencies. To fulfill their duties, security officers are required to undergo training, which can include tactical training for firearms. In addition, they may need to acquire a license from a recognized organization.

Read more: Security officer in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

14. Firefighter
Salary range: $36,000 - $52,000 per year
A firefighter on a cruise ship is responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in the event of a fire or other emergency. Their duties may include conducting regular safety inspections and drills, monitoring fire suppression systems, responding to alarms and alerts, and working with other crew members to evacuate passengers to safety. Cruise ship firefighter must have a minimum 3 to 5 years of experience as a professional firefighter.

Read more: Firefighter in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

15. Head Cook
Salary range: $50,000 - 65,000 per year
Cooks plan and prepare meals for cruise ship crew and passengers. They order supplies, take inventory and manage kitchen staff.

Read more: Cook in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

16. Manicurist
Salary range: $25,000 - $40,000 per year
Primary duty is to provide high-quality nail services to guests onboard the ship. This may include performing basic manicures and pedicures, as well as more advanced services such as nail art and gel nail applications.

Read more: Manicurist in The USA - pay, job requirements, and other benefits.

17. Gardener (horticulturist)
Salary range: $30,000 - $47,000 per year
Main duties include maintaining the ship's landscape, designing and implementing new plant displays, and keeping the garden areas clean and tidy. They are responsible for managing the ship's greenhouse and ensuring that all plants are healthy and well-maintained.

18. Captain
Salary range: $85,000 - $100,000 per year
As the highest-ranking officer on the ship, the ship captain holds primary responsibilities of controlling the vessel, making executive decisions about navigation and operations, and ensuring compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard license requirements. To fulfill these duties, the captain must also possess an FCC radio operations license and radar certification.



Cruise ship workers make a variety of salaries depending on the company, their job and level of experience. Generally, wages are higher than those on land, and tips and bonuses provided by passengers can often make even the higher difference. Additionally, cruise ship workers often receive accommodations and meals, which can help offset the cost of living. Although the work can be demanding and fast-paced, the unique experience of living and working on a cruise ship can be a great opportunity for those looking for an adventure and a chance to travel the world. Whether working on a cruise ship is the right job for you or not depends on your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.