Transportation53-5022.00Specialization

Motorboat Operators

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

$46,420
Median Pay
Less than 6 months
Training
🟑
AI-Augmented

This is a specialization of

Water Transportation Workers

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟑AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

0% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+1% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 10/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
  • Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

0-1 years

Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

Navigation systemsGPS/mappingCommunication equipmentSafety documentation

Key Abilities

Control PrecisionSpatial OrientationFar VisionProblem SensitivityPerceptual SpeedArm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityOral ExpressionMultilimb CoordinationAuditory Attention

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Compensation Details

$28,890
10th Percentile
$46,420
Median
$80,960
90th Percentile

Based on 2,710 employed workers

Also Known As

Boat DriverBoat Launch OperatorBoat OperatorBoat PersonBoatmanCrew Boat OperatorHarbor PilotLaunch OperatorLaunch StewardLaunchman

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 53-5022.00