Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
SOC: 49-3051 O*NET: 49-3051.00
Median Salary
$54,950
per year
Job Growth
📈 6%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
What does a Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,950
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,070
25th percentile
Median
$54,950
50th percentile
Experienced
$65,120
75th percentile
Top Earners
$78,820
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,950
25th
$45,070
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$54,950
Mean: $56,450
75th
$65,120
90th
$78,820
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $42,870 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,070 and $65,120
- •Salary spread is 36.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 24,250 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:26,200
Top Industries
Retail Trade36%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers35.4%
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers35.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6%
Annual Openings:2,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)26,200
Current
2034 (Projected)27,800
+6%
+1,600
Employment Change
+6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
Florida
5,440 jobs$52,9903.52x
Michigan
1,350 jobs$48,6001.96x
New York
1,300 jobs$58,3400.87x
California
1,260 jobs$65,0300.44x
Texas
1,080 jobs$54,6400.50x
Virginia
980 jobs$60,5801.53x
Washington
890 jobs$70,0001.59x
North Carolina
870 jobs$49,6301.13x
Wisconsin
760 jobs$48,0801.65x
Massachusetts
750 jobs$64,3101.32x
South Carolina
740 jobs$45,7702.07x
Connecticut
620 jobs$62,6202.34x
Maryland
560 jobs$61,1901.29x
Ohio
550 jobs$47,4300.64x
Minnesota
540 jobs$58,2901.17x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#3
Troubleshooting
86%
#4
Operation and Control
80%
#5
Operations Monitoring
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Equipment Selection
60%
#8
Quality Control Analysis
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
Operation and Control
intermediate4.0
80%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Equipment Selection
intermediate3.0
60%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Equipment Selection
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines100%
5 shared skills
Signal and Track Switch Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Boilermakers82%
5 shared skills
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Selection
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Repairing
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Repairing
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Facebook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
13
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Operations & Execution (4)
1
Disassemble and inspect motors to locate defective parts, using mechanic's hand tools and gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.54
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.46
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.10
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.10
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.04
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.03
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Initiative
4.1
Independence
4.1
Integrity
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Concern for Others
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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