How much does a motorboat operator make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical motorboat operator in the United States makes $47,520 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check fuel, oil, safety gear, and ropes, then steer a small boat while watching the route and nearby traffic. They load passengers or cargo, tie up at docks, and may do basic engine care.
Did you know? Some U.S. motorboat operators do more than carry people: they may tow, push, or guide barges, logs, or rafts.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,510 and $84,530How do you become one?
Many U.S. operators have a high-school diploma or GED and learn on the job. To captain an uninspected boat carrying up to six paying passengers, earn a USCG OUPV credential: age 18+, 12 months’ vessel service, and an exam or approved course.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, boating credentials, employer type (such as tours or government), and location. Seasonal work, longer shifts, and special duties like harbor transfers or emergency patrols can also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Hawaii ($76,250), lowest in California ($34,570).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,510 | $47,520 | $84,530 | about 2,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $76,250 | about 330 |
| Illinois | $68,380 | about 40 |
| Washington | $63,650 | about 80 |
| New York | $62,000 | — |
| Texas | $50,270 | about 270 |
Official definition: Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/53-5022.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/print/water-transportation-oc
- www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/charter_boat_captain/
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-11/subpart-D/section-1
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes535022.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY