How to become a Boat Builder and Repairer

Builds, repairs and modifies boats.

Main tasks

• Reads, analyses and interprets technical drawings and plans for boat construction
• Builds and repairs boats using various materials such as wood, fibreglass, carbon fibre, metal, glass, reinforced plastic and Kevlar
• Modifies boat designs and structures to meet customer requirements
• Installs and fits out boat interiors including cabinetry, fixtures and fittings
• Completes rigging fit out of new boat builds
• Repairs and replaces damaged or worn-out boat parts and components to ensure the boat is seaworthy

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction (MEM30719); Certificate IV in Boating Services (MEM40222); Certificate III in Boating Services (MEM30919); Certificate II in Boating Services (MEM20322); Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology (AUR32320); Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology (AUR30520); Certificate I in Boating Services (MEM10222)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $114,244 a year
• About 3,900 people work in this job group now, and about 4,100 are projected by 2035. (+3.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Boat Builder and Repairer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction; Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction.

How much does a Boat Builder and Repairer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $114,244 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Boat Builder and Repairer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 3,900 to about 4,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Boat Builder and Repairer?

Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction; Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction.

Will AI change the work of a Boat Builder and Repairer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04