What You Need to Know About Motorboat Operator
Job Description & Duties Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
A Day in the Life of a Motorboat Operator
- Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
- Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.
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Motorboat Operator Needed Skills
When polled, Motorboat Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Motorboat Operator Jobs
- Crew Boat Operator
- Outboard Motorboat Operator
- Charter Boat Operator
- Boat Launch Operator
- Launch Leader
Job Demand for Motorboat Operators
There were about 3,600 jobs for Motorboat Operator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Motorboat Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Motorboat Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Motorboat Operator are Texas, Florida, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, North Carolina, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Motorboat Operator Salary
The salary for Motorboat Operators ranges between about $23,830 and $78,120 a year.

Motorboat Operators who work in New York, Illinois, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Motorboat Operators in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,270 |
Arizona | $50,430 |
California | $47,420 |
Florida | $38,550 |
Hawaii | $51,190 |
Illinois | $67,270 |
Louisiana | $50,140 |
Massachusetts | $34,780 |
Michigan | $44,890 |
Minnesota | $39,130 |
New Jersey | $56,740 |
New York | $65,120 |
Oregon | $54,010 |
Tennessee | $49,250 |
Texas | $48,440 |
Virginia | $44,360 |
Washington | $55,040 |
What Tools do Motorboat Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Motorboat Operators:
- Web browser software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Cartography software
How do I Become a Motorboat Operator?
Learn what Motorboat Operator education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Motorboat Operator?

Motorboat Operators Sector

Below are examples of industries where Motorboat Operators work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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