How much does a motorboat operator make?
Answer: A typical motorboat operator in the United States makes $47,520 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 2,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Motorboat operator pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a motorboat operator do?
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some U.S. motorboat operators do more than carry people: they may tow, push, or guide barges, logs, or rafts.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Transportation and Material Moving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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