Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians Salary Guide 2025: $57,550 Median
The median salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the U.S. is $57,550 per year, or about $28 an hour. The top 10% earn more than $79,330, while the bottom 10% make around $36,950. Employers range from small marinas to large boat manufacturers, and wages vary sharply by location.
How much Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians earn
The median annual wage for motorboat mechanics and service technicians is $57,550, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 data. Half of workers earn between the 25th percentile ($45,220) and 75th percentile ($70,200). The mean hourly wage is $27.92.
Pay increases with experience and specialization. Outboard engine specialists and those working on high-performance yachts typically earn toward the top of the range. Technicians in repair and maintenance services average $58,000, while those at boat dealers average $55,000. The highest-paying industry is the federal government, where mean annual wages exceed $70,000.
Pay by state
Hawaii pays motorboat mechanics the most, with an average annual wage of $77,740. Other top-paying states include Massachusetts ($74,160), Alaska ($72,520), Vermont ($72,350), and New Jersey ($71,880). At the other end, West Virginia ($36,480), New Mexico ($36,510), and Oklahoma ($39,920) offer the lowest average salaries.
Cost of living explains part of the difference: a $77,000 salary in Hawaii goes less far than $72,000 in Vermont. But Alaska’s high pay reflects demand for marine mechanics in remote areas with limited labor pools.
How to become Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technician
Most motorboat mechanics learn through on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship. Some attend a trade school or community college program in marine mechanics, which can take six months to two years. Courses cover outboard and inboard engines, electrical systems, and diagnostics.
Certification through the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) or the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) can boost credibility and earning potential. Many employers require a valid driver’s license and mechanical aptitude. Entry-level positions often start with basic maintenance tasks before progressing to complex repairs.
- High school diploma or equivalent typically required.
- Postsecondary certificate or associate degree in marine technology available at many technical colleges.
- Apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom instruction (often 2-4 years).
- Voluntary certifications (ABYC, NMMA) signal competence and can lead to higher pay.
- Continuing education needed to keep up with new engine technology (e.g., electronic controls, hybrid systems).
Job outlook
Employment of motorboat mechanics is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,600 job openings are expected each year, primarily to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Boat ownership remains popular, and older boats need ongoing maintenance, supporting steady demand. Technicians with skills in electronics, diesel engines, and air conditioning systems will have the best prospects. Geographic areas with high concentrations of boats—like coastal states and the Great Lakes region—offer the most opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Is motorboat mechanic a good career?
It can be: the median salary of $57,550 is solid for a job that typically requires only a high school diploma plus training. Job growth is above average, and skilled technicians are in demand. The work is hands-on and outdoors, but it can be physically demanding and seasonal in cold climates.
How long does it take to become a motorboat mechanic?
You can start working after a few months of on-the-job training, but full proficiency usually takes 2-4 years. A trade school program can be completed in 6 months to 2 years. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years.
What does a motorboat mechanic do?
Motorboat mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain boat engines and systems: inboard/outboard gasoline and diesel engines, electrical and fuel systems, steering and cooling systems, and sometimes hull and propeller work. They use diagnostic tools, power tools, and hoists, and often work in repair shops or at marinas.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians data.