How to become a Motorboat Operator
Official title: Motorboat Operators
Also called: Boat Operator, Crew Boat Operator, Harbor Pilot, Launch Operator, Launchman, Motorboat Operator, River Pilot, Shoreboat Driver, Water Taxi Business Operator, Water Taxi Operator
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Main 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.
How to become one
Education and training requirements for water transportation workers vary by occupation. There are no educational requirements for entry-level sailors and marine oilers, but other water transportation workers typically complete U.S. Coast Guard-approved training programs.
Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer; Marine Transportation, Other
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $47,520 a year The middle half earn $42,760 to $69,010.
- About 2,800 people work in this job now, and about 2,900 are projected by 2035. (+4.9%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Motorboat Operator?
Education and training requirements for water transportation workers vary by occupation. There are no educational requirements for entry-level sailors and marine oilers, but other water transportation workers typically complete U.S. Coast Guard-approved training programs.
How much does a Motorboat Operator earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $47,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $42,760 to $69,010.
Is a Motorboat Operator a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 2,800 to about 2,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Motorboat Operator?
Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Will AI change the work of a Motorboat Operator?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.