How Much Does The Below Deck Cast Get Paid?
"Below Deck" just sailed through the Caribbean for its 10th season on the biggest and most luxurious motor yacht in the show's history. "Set on the luscious island of St. Lucia, with crystal-clear waters and dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons are sure to excite even the most discerning guests," Bravo teased about the latest installment (via NBC Universal).
Ever since the show first aired in July 2013, it's been a runaway success for the network. This is no surprise, given all the drama, feuds, fights, bed-hopping, scandalous relationship drama, and picture-perfect locations each season. The show has proven such a hit that it's spawned a franchise with sister shows such as "Below Deck Mediterranean" and "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." Still, despite the ever-growing number of spin-offs, in a survey, fans told Nicki Swift that they thought the original was still the best "Below Deck" franchise.
Over the seasons, cast and crew have come and gone, but Captain Lee Rosbach has held steady at the helm, steering through the turquoise, glittering seas throughout every season. And who can blame him? Working on an opulent and extravagant yacht while it sails through some of the most stunning vistas in the world is a job that many would do for free. However, the reality show members get all of the pleasure and some of the pay. But, how much does the "Below Deck" cast really make?
The Below Deck cast either make bank or earn 'peanuts'
Some say reality TV doesn't pay, and that's true in certain cases. "Exposing your personal life to national scrutiny isn't always that lucrative," MoneyWise reports. "In fact, some cast members earn absolutely nothing for their TV appearances." They note how much "The Bachelor" contestants make for laying their souls bare — which isn't that much in the grand scheme of things.
However, that's not the case for "Below Deck." Depending on the crew's longevity and rank, they can earn serious bank, or just "peanuts." Salaries are strictly secret, but US Weekly has quotes about their moolah from various cast members. "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," First Officer Eddie Lucas said to the New York Post. He claimed he was paid "peanuts" in comparison, which was annoying "because [they're just] going out to dinner and fighting." As opposed to sailing and fighting, presumably.
Jessica Moore, Ciara Duggan, and Tiffany Copeland weighed in on the show's Instagram fan page, and they all seconded Lucas' claims. "Would be nice to get residuals when reruns air, at least!" Copeland wrote. However, Captain Sandy Yawn from "Below Deck Mediterranean" begs to differ. She told US Weekly it's all down to "negotiation" skills, and hers must be stellar, as The Things estimates, she's worth a staggering $400,000. But Captain Lee Rosbach and Chef Ben Robinson are apparently worth even more than that.
Captain Lee and Chef Ben are the cream of the Below Deck crew
Captain Lee Rosbach and Chef Ben Robinson are the highest-paid of the "Below Deck" cast. It's not surprising Rosbach is up there, given he's been on the show since its debut. According to The Things, he's worth a tidy $800,000, but Robinson leaves the skipper in the shade. Despite being part of the franchise for only six years, The Tab reports the chef is worth $2.5 million. And he's not shy about showing off the trappings of his wealth. Robinson regularly posts on Instagram to ensure everybody knows about his rock star lifestyle. "My 40th ... After a long day, I have finally adjusted," he captioned a video of himself in a Versace dressing gown, sipping on a glass of fine wine, and puffing a cigar. It's hard out here for a former reality TV chef!
As for Rosbach, it seems that, sadly, his earning spree may have come to an abrupt end after the captain made a shocking exit during Season 10 of "Below Deck." People reports that Rosbach's worsening health issues forced him to jump ship mid-sail. He'd been struggling with nerve pain before taking the helm but thought it was just temporary. Not so, unfortunately. "My injury, it's getting worse. The left side of my body, I don't feel anything," he admitted during an on-camera confessional, sharing that he was unable to "do a god d**** thing about it, and it's hard."