Over the years, the Below Deck franchise cast has played coy about their earnings — only offering small glimpses about the money they bring home.
The hit Bravo series, which debuted in 2013 and has spanned several spinoffs, follows the lives of crew members who work and live on super yachts during charter season. The cast earns money working on the boat, which is supplemented by tips from guests and their involvement in the reality series.
In May 2022, Eddie Lucas sparked a conversation about paychecks when he revealed that he won’t be coming back for season 10 of Below Deck after appearing in six seasons.
“I was not invited back to do another season,” the first officer told the New York Post in May 2022. “I actually didn’t even get a phone call from them saying they hired someone else — which kind of goes to show what the production entails. Everyone on Below Deck is expendable. …While we do get paid better than a normal yachtie, of course, we are still not getting paid what people like the Housewives are making, which is a little frustrating, because they’re not really working — they’re just going out to dinner and fighting,” he added at the time.
After a Below Deck fan page reposted Lucas’ quotes on Instagram, several former franchise stars weighed in on the confession.
Below Deck Mediterranean alum Jessica More replied, “Yep 👏 I see all facts in his statements.” Meanwhile, Below Deck Sailing Yacht stew Dani Soares added, “👀🤐.”
Ciara Duggan, who appeared in season 1 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, also claimed that Lucas is “not wrong” when it comes to how much the cast has been paid. Fellow alum Tiffany Copeland pointed out in the comments section, “Would be nice to get residuals when reruns air at least!”
Scroll down for everything the Below Deck cast has said about their earnings over the years:
