Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Also called: Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Outboard Engine Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Boat Tester, Certified Marine Mechanic
Median pay
$57,550
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,950 – $79,330
People employed
23,220
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians salary in every state →
What motorboat mechanics and service technicians do
- 01Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- 02Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- 03Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- 04Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- 05Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- 06Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from motorboat mechanics and service technicians
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers89% · −2%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door88% · +29%
- Ship Engineers84% · +90%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers82% · −7%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery82% · +6%
Change into motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers83% · $56,210
- Medical Equipment Repairers81% · $61,660
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians80% · $102,040
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General79% · $49,590
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery78% · $60,850
Majors that lead here
- Marine Engineering Technology/Technician
- Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician
- Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.