Motorboat Operators Career, Salary and Skills
Motorboat Operators have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $47,520 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 2,480. Wage data is published for 30 locations.
Occupation description
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
O*NET code
53-5022.00
Job zone
2
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$47,520
Hourly median
$22.85
Employment
2,480
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
$34,510
10th
$42,760
25th
$47,520
Median
$69,010
75th
$84,530
90th
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.75 | 3.62 |
| Speaking | 3.38 | 2.88 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Monitoring | 3.38 | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.12 | 3.38 |
| Active Listening | 3.12 | 2.88 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 3.38 |
Typical tasks
- Take depth soundings in turning basins.
- Perform general labor duties such as repairing booms.
- Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.
- 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.
Technology
- Autopilot software
- Cartography software
- Echo sounder software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Radar software
- Roam Devices Roam Marine Monitor Hub
- SEA.AI Offshore ONE
- Web browser software
Motorboat Operators salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Motorboat Operators Salary in HIMedian $76,250 · Employment 330
- Motorboat Operators Salary in TXMedian $50,270 · Employment 270
- Motorboat Operators Salary in CAMedian $34,570 · Employment 190
- Motorboat Operators Salary in FLMedian $46,620 · Employment 170
- Motorboat Operators Salary in LAMedian $45,800 · Employment 160
- Motorboat Operators Salary in PRMedian $26,630 · Employment 150
- Motorboat Operators Salary in San Juan, PRMedian $26,630 · Employment 140
- Motorboat Operators Salary in Urban Honolulu, HIMedian $81,440 · Employment 140
- Motorboat Operators Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $34,510 · Employment 80
- Motorboat Operators Salary in WAMedian $63,650 · Employment 80
- Motorboat Operators Salary in Kahului, HIMedian $83,390 · Employment 70
- Motorboat Operators Salary in New Orleans, LAMedian $49,230 · Employment 70
Related careers
- Transportation InspectorsNational median $92,100
- Highway Maintenance WorkersNational median $50,260
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship LoadersNational median $58,870
- Industrial Truck and Tractor OperatorsNational median $46,420
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive FirersNational median $68,840
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine SpecialistsNational median $61,770
- Aircraft Cargo Handling SupervisorsNational median $58,170
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and HostlersNational median $60,600
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.