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Motorboat Operator

💰 Earn $78K-$93K
📚 Vocational Training
⏱️ 6–12 Month Training
📈 1.4% Job Growth
  • Ideal for those who love the open water and adventure.
  • Ensure safe and efficient travel for passengers and cargo.
  • Navigate waterways and respond to emergencies with expertise.
Motorboat Operator
What Motorboat Operators DoOperate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
  • Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
  • Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
  • Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
  • Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
  • Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
Motorboat Operators Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationVocational Training
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings300 Annually
Median Earnings
$87,900 in California
$51,880 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Motorboat Operators Explained
Motorboat OperatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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What Are Similar Careers?

Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Motorboat Operator | Explore this Career