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Motorboat Operators in California
Want to work as a Motorboat Operators in California? Here’s what you need to know. Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
What do Motorboat Operators Make in California?
For a motorboat operators working in California, wages run about $87,900 per year (or about $42.26/hour).Annual wages span from $53,720 at the 10th percentile to $103,410 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,720 | $25.83 |
| 25th percentile | $78,330 | $37.66 |
| Median (50th) | $87,900 | $42.26 |
| 75th percentile | $93,190 | $44.80 |
| 90th percentile | $103,410 | $49.71 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in California relative to the national average — is 0.33, indicating fewer motorboat operators per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, motorboat operators earn a median of $67,056 per year ($32.24/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 1,466,529 motorboat operators nationwide. In California alone, approximately 90 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 120 motorboat operators.
Top States for Motorboat Operators Employment
The table below shows the states where the most motorboat operators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Florida | 350 |
| Texas | 280 |
| Hawaii | 240 |
| Louisiana | 220 |
| Puerto Rico | 130 |
| Tennessee | 130 |
| New Jersey | 120 |
| New York | 120 |
| Washington | 100 |
| California | 90 |
| Massachusetts | 80 |
| Georgia | 70 |
| Maryland | 40 |
| North Carolina | 40 |
| Illinois | 30 |
| Guam | 30 |
Highest-Paying States for Motorboat Operators
The highest-paying states for motorboat operators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $87,900 |
| North Carolina | $81,220 |
| Illinois | $67,170 |
| Hawaii | $64,670 |
| Washington | $62,110 |
| New York | $61,170 |
| Texas | $60,000 |
| Massachusetts | $45,990 |
| Louisiana | $44,880 |
| New Jersey | $44,640 |
Skills
Key motorboat operators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for motorboat operators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Motorboat Operators typically:
- 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.
- Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
- Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Getting Information
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved:
- Autopilot software (expert system software)
- Cartography software (map creation software)
- Echo sounder software (analytical or scientific software)
- Global positioning system GPS software (mobile location based services software)
- Radar software (analytical or scientific software)
- Roam Devices Roam Marine Monitor Hub (expert system software)
- SEA.AI Offshore ONE (mobile location based services software)
- Web browser software (internet browser software)
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Related occupations to motorboat operators include:
- Fishing and Hunting Workers
- Highway Maintenance Workers
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Riggers
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Also 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 Pilot, River and Lakes Boatman.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 53-5022.00