Transportation & Logistics
Motorboat Operators
Also called: Boat Operator, Crew Boat Operator, Harbor Pilot, Launch Operator
US median pay
$47,520
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.9%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
300
2,800 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.9/5
- Operations Monitoring3.8/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Transportation3.8/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma40%
- Less than high school35%
- Bachelor's degree14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.