What You Need to Know About Motorboat Operator
Motorboat Operator Job Description Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Life As a Motorboat Operator
- Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
- Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
- Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Perform general labor duties such as repairing booms.
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
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Motorboat Operator Needed Skills
Motorboat Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Motorboat Operator Job Titles
- Water Taxi Ferry Operator
- Rivers and Lakes Boatman
- Boat Driver
- Harbormaster
- Water Taxi Operator
What Kind of Motorboat Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 3,600 jobs for Motorboat Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Motorboat Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Motorboat Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Motorboat Operator are Texas, Florida, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, North Carolina, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Motorboat Operator Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Motorboat Operators is somewhere between $23,830 and $78,120.

Motorboat Operators who work in New York, Illinois, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Motorboat Operators make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,270 |
Arizona | $50,430 |
California | $47,420 |
Florida | $38,550 |
Hawaii | $51,190 |
Illinois | $67,270 |
Louisiana | $50,140 |
Massachusetts | $34,780 |
Michigan | $44,890 |
Minnesota | $39,130 |
New Jersey | $56,740 |
New York | $65,120 |
Oregon | $54,010 |
Tennessee | $49,250 |
Texas | $48,440 |
Virginia | $44,360 |
Washington | $55,040 |
What Tools do Motorboat Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Motorboat Operators:
- Web browser software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Cartography software
Becoming a Motorboat Operator
Education needed to be a Motorboat Operator:

What work experience do I need to become a Motorboat Operator?

Motorboat Operators Sector

Below are examples of industries where Motorboat Operators work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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