Real-life crew members on luxury superyachts, such as those featured in the "Below Deck" TV franchise, receive both a base salary and tips. The salary is determined by the crew member's position, experience, and the size of the vessel. For example, a Deckhand or Junior Stew might earn a base salary of $3,500 to $4,500 per month, while a Chief Stew or Bosun can earn upwards of $6,000 to $9,000 per month. This salary is typically paid by the yacht owner regardless of whether there are guests on board. The "tips," however, are where the significant money is made. After a successful charter, it is customary for the primary guest to leave a cash tip, which is usually around 10% to 20% of the total charter fee. This tip is then divided equally among all crew members (including the "invisible" engineers and chefs who aren't always seen by the guests). On a high-end charter, each crew member might walk away with an additional $2,000 to $5,000 in tips for just a few days of work. This combination of a stable salary and high-stakes "gratuity" is what makes the industry so lucrative, though it requires working 16-hour days and providing "white-glove" service to demanding billionaire clients.