Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
SOC Code: 49-3051Also known as:
Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Outboard Engine Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Boat Tester
Median Annual Salary
$54,950
+6.0% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
26K
Current Jobs
What Motorboat mechanics and service technicians Do
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
💰 Salary
$54,950
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
26,200
Projected Employment (2034)
27,800
Related Careers
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
$53,990 •
+3.4% growth
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
$49,670 •
+4.2% growth
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
$60,640 •
+2.4% growth
Motorcycle mechanics
$47,200 •
+5.3% growth
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
$46,560 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Repairing
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
- Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
- Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.
- Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.
- Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a motorboat mechanics and service technicians:
Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/Technician
799 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician
204 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Marine Engineering Technology/Technician
68 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become motorboat mechanics and service technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do motorboat mechanics and service technicians make?
The median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians is $54,950.
What education do motorboat mechanics and service technicians need?
Most motorboat mechanics and service technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/Technician, Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician, Marine Engineering Technology/Technician.
Is becoming motorboat mechanics and service technicians a good career choice?
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians is projected to see +6.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring motorboat mechanics and service technicians include
Texas A & M University-College Station, Manatee Technical College, Arkansas State University-Beebe, Northwood Technical College, California State University Maritime Academy.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians may also be known as: Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Outboard Engine Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Boat Tester, Certified Marine Mechanic, Experimental Outboard Motors Mechanic, Marine Diesel Mechanic, Marine Machinery Mechanic, Marine Mechanic, Marine Propulsion Technician, Marine Service Technician (Marine Service Tech), Marine Technician, Mechanic, Motorboat Mechanic, Outboard Motor Mechanic, Outboard Motor Tester, Outboard Motors Experimental Mechanic, Outboard Technician, Service Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.