PathScorer

    Motorboat Operator Salary in 2026

    SOC: 53-5022.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $51,880
    per year
    Salary Range
    $32K – $82K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    2,380
    employed
    Job Growth
    +1.4%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Motorboat Operators Make?

    Motorboat Operators earn a median annual salary of $51,880 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,970 at the 10th percentile to $82,330 at the 90th percentile — a range of $50,360. The highest-paying state is California at $87,900.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$31,970
    25th percentile$39,860
    Median (50th)$51,880
    75th percentile$68,490
    90th percentile$82,330
    10th: $31,970Median: $51,88090th: $82,330
    Section 02

    Motorboat Operator Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Californiatop$87,900
    North Carolina$81,220
    Illinois$67,170
    Hawaii$64,670
    Washington$62,110
    New York$61,170
    Texas$60,000
    Massachusetts$45,990
    Louisiana$44,880
    New Jersey$44,640
    Tennessee$44,280
    Florida$43,890
    Maryland$40,390
    Georgia$36,410
    Kentucky$36,140
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Motorboat Operators

    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
    Highest paying
    $67,270
    top metro salary
    Hawaii
    $64,670
    $-2,600 vs highest
    New York
    $61,170
    $-6,100 vs highest
    Texas
    $60,000
    $-7,270 vs highest
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
    $59,050
    $-8,220 vs highest
    Louisiana
    $44,880
    $-22,390 vs highest
    New Jersey
    $44,640
    $-22,630 vs highest
    Tennessee
    $44,280
    $-22,990 vs highest
    Section 04

    Motorboat Operator Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$31,970 – $39,860
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$51,880
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$68,490
    Senior (15+ yrs)$82,330+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Motorboat Operator

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Motorboat Operators in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area earn $67,270 — $15,390 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($68,490) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Motorboat Operator Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Motorboat Operatorthis career$51,880
    Fishing and Hunting WorkerN/A
    Highway Maintenance Worker$49,070
    Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist$60,640
    Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technician$54,950

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

    PathScorer compares your skills to Motorboat Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Career Guide
    Learn how to become a Motorboat Operator →
    AI Automation Risk
    Motorboat Operator AI exposure analysis →

    SOC: 53-5022.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.