Transportation and material moving
Motorboat operator
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Median pay
$47,520
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
300
Time to qualify*
3 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Motorboat operator
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
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 operator: 60% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
Also called: Boat Operator · Crew Boat Operator · Harbor Pilot · Launch Operator · Launchman · Motorboat Operator · River Pilot · Shoreboat Driver
Outlook and AI
Motorboat operators held 2,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,900 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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