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
$57,550
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.9%
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
$36,950
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,750
25th percentile
Median
$57,550
50th percentile
Experienced
$66,620
75th percentile
Top Earners
$79,330
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,950
25th
$46,750
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$57,550
Mean: $58,070
75th
$66,620
90th
$79,330
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $42,380 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,750 and $66,620
- •Salary spread is 34.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 23,220 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:25,000
Top Industries
Retail Trade36%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers35.4%
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers35%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.9%
Annual Openings:2,600
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)25,000
Current
2035 (Projected)26,200
+4.9%
+1,200
Employment Change
+4.9%
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 49 locations
Florida
4,810 jobs$55,6803.24x
Michigan
1,480 jobs$47,9002.26x
New York
1,470 jobs$58,9401.02x
California
1,230 jobs$62,3300.45x
Texas
1,010 jobs$53,2900.48x
North Carolina
930 jobs$51,4301.26x
Massachusetts
890 jobs$74,1601.64x
Washington
750 jobs$63,0201.42x
Wisconsin
690 jobs$56,9201.58x
South Carolina
620 jobs$49,0801.82x
Connecticut
560 jobs$63,4802.22x
Minnesota
500 jobs$61,0101.15x
Indiana
450 jobs$51,2000.94x
Arizona
430 jobs$59,3900.89x
Maryland
420 jobs$60,3101.02x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Repairing
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#5
Customer and Personal Service
92%
#6
Manual Dexterity
92%
#7
Troubleshooting
86%
#8
Computers and Electronics
86%
#9
Arm-Hand Steadiness
82%
#10
Operation and Control
80%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced4.6
92%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
Computers and Electronics
intermediate4.3
86%
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:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
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
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Selection
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Engineering and Technology
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Computers and Electronics
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
3.3k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.9k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
2.4k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.9k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.3k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
1.0k program completions/year
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