CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Motorboat Operators

Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Motorboat Operators
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Median pay

$51,880
Median annual pay for Motorboat Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

2,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Motorboat Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

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

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Mechanical

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Spatial Orientation
  3. 3Far Vision
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Perceptual Speed

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Attention to Detail
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Controlling Machines and Processes
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Frequency of Decision Making
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Health and Safety of Other Workers
  6. 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
  • Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
  • Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.

Software and tools

Autopilot softwareCartography softwareEcho sounder softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareRadar softwareRoam Devices Roam Marine Monitor HubSEA.AI Offshore ONEWeb browser software

Sources

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

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