Installation, maintenance and repair
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Median pay
$57,550
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
2,600
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to motorboat mechanics and service technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians: 53% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
- Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
- Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.
Also called: Boat Mechanic · Boat Motor Mechanic · Boat Rigger · Marine Mechanic · Marine Propulsion Technician · Marine Technician · Mechanic · Outboard Motor Mechanic
Outlook and AI
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians held 25,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 26,200 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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