Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
SOC code 49-3051 · O*NET-SOC 49-3051.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$57,550
a year
Hourly
$27.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$58,070
$27.92 per hour
Middle 50%
$46,750 – $66,620
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$36,950 – $79,330
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
23,220
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $36,950
- $17.76/hr
- 25th percentile
- $46,750
- $22.48/hr
- Median percentile
- $57,550
- $27.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $66,620
- $32.03/hr
- 90th percentile
- $79,330
- $38.14/hr
What do motorboat mechanics and service technicians do?
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
- Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
- Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 54% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate54%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)24%
- Some College Courses12%
- Less than a High School Diploma7%
Common questions
How much does a motorboat mechanics and service technicians earn?
The national median is $57,550 a year. The full range runs from $36,950 at the 10th percentile to $79,330 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a motorboat mechanics and service technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Engineering and Technology3.3/5
- Transportation3.1/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving.