Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Motorboat Operators

Median Salary
46,420
Job Outlook
+8%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of water transportation workers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,700 openings for water transportation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$32,780

10%

$46,420

Median

$83,930

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    39%

  • Less than high school

    34%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

  • Some college

    8%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Marine Transportation, Other
  • Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Mechanical
  • Transportation
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.