Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringSpeakingMonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Motorboat Operator pay by experience level
Entry level$35,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$44,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$49,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$71,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$87,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+1.4%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Motorboat Operator salary by industry
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
770 workers
$55,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
350 workers
$74,500
Support Activities for Transportation
250 workers
$57,000
Support Activities for Water Transportation
250 workers
$57,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
230 workers
$82,500
Water Transportation
200 workers
$64,000
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation
200 workers
$64,500
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water
180 workers
$68,000
Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation
110 workers
$84,000
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
110 workers
$59,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Motorboat Operator pays 15% below the average across 53 roles in the Transportation and Material Moving job family (family average $69,000).
Similar-paying roles in Transportation and Material Moving
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