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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
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Median pay

$54,950
Median annual pay for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

26,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Control Precision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  6. 6Frequency of Decision Making

Representative tasks

  • Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
  • Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
  • Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
  • Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
  • Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
  • Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
  • Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
  • Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.

Software and tools

Facebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyCDI Electronics M.E.D.S.Engine diagnostic scannersInventory tracking softwareOutboard engine diagnostic softwareRinda Technologies DIACOM Marine

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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