Skilled Trades
Motorboat Operators
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Median salary (BLS)
$47,520
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$35k – $85k
Job outlook
+1% (about average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Motorboat Operators
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$100–$2,600
Time to qualify
3.1 yr
Renewal
$50/yr
- 1
Registered apprenticeship (paid)
ExperienceEarn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.
$0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source
- 2
Journeyman exam & state/local license
LicenseMost states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.
$100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Motorboat Operators" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Motorboat Operators
Entry / Junior
$34,510
~2 yrs to advance
Motorboat Operators
Established
$47,520
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Motorboat Operators
Senior
$66,025
Key skills
A typical 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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.