Motorboat Operator Salary
Motorboat Operators earn a median $47,520 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What motorboat operators do
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +4.9% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 300
- Self-employed
- 8%
Employment of motorboat operators is projected to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Motorboat Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$3,522
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,946
- Medicare (1.45%)$689
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$40,362
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,510 | $16.59 | $29,909 |
| 25th percentile | $42,760 | $20.56 | $36,538 |
| Median (50th) | $47,520 | $22.85 | $40,362 |
| 75th percentile | $69,010 | $33.18 | $57,379 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,530 | $40.64 | $68,297 |
Motorboat Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $76,250 | +17.9% | $58,207 | $60,000 – $84,410 | 330 |
| Illinois | $68,380 | +1.8% | $53,695 | $45,640 – $94,140 | 40 |
| Washington | $63,650 | +2.5% | $53,323 | $42,760 – $86,740 | 80 |
| New York | $62,000 | +1.4% | $49,246 | $50,840 – $80,660 | — |
| Texas | $50,270 | −16.2% | $42,572 | $42,910 – $71,760 | 270 |
| Michigan | $46,760 | — | $38,015 | $36,190 – $63,400 | — |
| Florida | $46,620 | +6.2% | $39,639 | $33,370 – $77,330 | 170 |
| Connecticut | $45,970 | — | $37,973 | $35,020 – $49,620 | — |
| Louisiana | $45,800 | +2.0% | $37,993 | $30,890 – $80,590 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $45,160 | −1.8% | $36,428 | $40,070 – $86,310 | — |
| New Jersey | $44,150 | −1.1% | $36,763 | $37,130 – $104,110 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $42,360 | −4.3% | $36,216 | $29,590 – $58,520 | 60 |
| California | $34,570 | −60.7% | $29,135 | $34,320 – $92,490 | 190 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $92,460 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +4.0% |
| Sailor and Marine Oiler | $51,520 | No formal educational credential | +3.2% |
| Ship Engineer | $109,530 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +2.7% |
| Bus Drivers, School | $47,920 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator | $46,420 | No formal educational credential | +1.5% |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | $45,650 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Dredge Operator | $49,640 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector | $49,690 | No formal educational credential | +2.1% |
| Light Truck Driver | $44,860 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.3% |
| Conveyor Operator and Tender | $42,420 | No formal educational credential | -2.6% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a motorboat operator make?
The national median salary for motorboat operators is $47,520 a year ($22.85 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,510 and the top 10% earn over $84,530. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays motorboat operators the most?
Hawaii has the highest median pay at $76,250.
How many motorboat operators are there in the U.S.?
About 2,480 people work as motorboat operators nationwide.