Motorboat Operators
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Also called: Boat Driver, Boat Launch Operator, Boat Operator, Boat Person, Boatman, Crew Boat Operator
Median pay
$47,520
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,510 – $84,530
People employed
2,480
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
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.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Motorboat Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (13 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What motorboat operators do
- 01Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- 02Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- 03Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- 04Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- 05Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
- 06Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
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 operators
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers86% · +23%
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers83% · +28%
- Hoist and Winch Operators83% · +19%
- Locomotive Engineers81% · +71%
- Dredge Operators80% · +4%
Change into motorboat operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bridge and Lock Tenders78% · $57,700
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners78% · $49,880
- Aircraft Service Attendants77% · $40,450
- Light Truck Drivers77% · $44,860
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors77% · $49,690
Majors that lead here
- Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer
- Marine Transportation, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.