What Does it Take to Be a Motorboat Operator?
Job Description & Duties Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
A Day in the Life of a Motorboat Operator
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
- Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.
- Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
- Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.
- Take depth soundings in turning basins.
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What a Motorboat Operator Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Motorboat Operators say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Boat Person
- Launchman
- Charter Boat Operator
- Rivers and Lakes Boatman
- Outboard Motorboat Operator
Motorboat Operator Job Outlook
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 400 job openings in this field each 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.
How much do Motorboat Operators make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Motorboat Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Motorboat Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Cartography software
How do I Become a Motorboat Operator?
What education is needed to be a Motorboat Operator?

What work experience do I need 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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