What Does it Take to Be a Motorboat Operator?
Job Description: Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Daily Life Of a Motorboat Operator
- Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
- Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Perform general labor duties such as repairing booms.
- Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Motorboat Operator Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles
- Mooring Master
- Watch Leader
- Motorboat Operator
- Tugboat Captain
- Relief Captain
Job Demand for Motorboat Operators
In the United States, there were 3,600 jobs for Motorboat Operator in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Motorboat Operators Make A Lot Of Money?
Motorboat Operators make between $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
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
Becoming a Motorboat Operator
Education needed to be a Motorboat Operator:

What work experience do I need to become a Motorboat Operator?

Where do Motorboat Operators Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Motorboat Operators employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |