Motorboat operators
SOC Code: 53-5022Also known as:
Boat Driver, Boat Launch Operator, Boat Operator, Boat Person, Boatman
Median Annual Salary
$51,880
+1.4% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Motorboat operators Do
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
💰 Salary
$51,880
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,700
Projected Employment (2034)
2,800
Related Careers
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
$54,950 •
+6.0% growth
Sailors and marine oilers
$49,610 •
+2.3% growth
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
$85,540 •
+0.5% growth
Ship engineers
$101,320 •
+1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
- Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Motorboat operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a motorboat operators:
Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer
561 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Marine Transportation, Other
58 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Motorboat operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become motorboat operators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Merchant Marine Academy | Kings Point, NY | 94 | B+ |
| 2 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | 53 | B+ |
| 3 | SUNY Maritime College | Throggs Neck, NY | 139 | C+ |
| 4 | California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo, CA | 94 | C+ |
| 5 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Buzzards Bay, MA | 56 | C+ |
| 6 | Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | 54 | C+ |
| 7 | Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, MI | 41 | C+ |
| 8 | San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, TX | 18 | C+ |
| 9 | Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa, CA | 15 | C+ |
| 10 | Seattle Central College | Seattle, WA | 12 | C+ |
| 11 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald | Hohenwald, TN | 9 | C+ |
| 12 | University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau, AK | 3 | C+ |
| 13 | The Landing School | Arundel, ME | 1 | C+ |
| 14 | Lamar State College-Orange | Orange, TX | 17 | C |
| 15 | Northshore Technical Community College | Lacombe, LA | 13 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do motorboat operators make?
The median annual salary for motorboat operators is $51,880.
What education do motorboat operators need?
Most motorboat operators positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer, Marine Transportation, Other.
Is becoming motorboat operators a good career choice?
Motorboat operators is projected to see +1.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for motorboat operators?
Top colleges for aspiring motorboat operators include
United States Merchant Marine Academy, Texas A & M University-College Station, SUNY Maritime College, California State University Maritime Academy, Massachusetts 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 operators?
Motorboat operators may also be known as: Boat Driver, Boat Launch Operator, Boat Operator, Boat Person, Boatman, Crew Boat Operator, Harbor Pilot, Launch Operator, Launch Steward, Launchman, Mooring Master, Motorboat Operator, Outboard Motorboat Operator, River and Lakes Boatman, River Pilot, Rivers and Lakes Boatman, Rivers and Lakes Leverman, Shoreboat Driver, Speedboat Driver, Speedboat Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.