Motorboat Operators
SOC code 53-5022 · O*NET-SOC 53-5022.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
Motorboat Operators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$47,520
a year
Hourly
$22.85
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$56,270
$27.05 per hour
Middle 50%
$42,760 – $69,010
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,510 – $84,530
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,480
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,510
- $16.59/hr
- 25th percentile
- $42,760
- $20.56/hr
- Median percentile
- $47,520
- $22.85/hr
- 75th percentile
- $69,010
- $33.18/hr
- 90th percentile
- $84,530
- $40.64/hr
What does a motorboat operator do?
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a motorboat operator
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)40%
- Less than a High School Diploma35%
- Bachelor's Degree14%
- Some College Courses9%
Common questions
How much does a motorboat operator earn?
The national median is $47,520 a year. The full range runs from $34,510 at the 10th percentile to $84,530 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 operator without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Transportation3.8/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Geography3.0/5
- Personnel and Human Resources2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.