CareerFacts

All careers › Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Marine mechanic: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$57,550median pay per year, or $27.67 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $36,950lowest 10% earn less
  2. $46,75025th percentile
  3. $57,550median
  4. $66,62075th percentile
  5. $79,330top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Motorboat mechanics and service technicians had a median pay of $57,550 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+4.9%[2]
Openings per year
2,600[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do marine mechanics make?

The official BLS category is Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians. Workers in it report titles such as marine mechanic, boat motor mechanic and outboard motor mechanic[7].

The median wage in May 2025 was $57,550 a year, or $27.67 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $58,070 a year, or $27.92 an hour[8]. The median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[4], so this job's median is above it.

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][9] $36,950 $17.76
25th percentile[3][9] $46,750 $22.48
Median[1] $57,550 $27.67
75th percentile[3][9] $66,620 $32.03
90th percentile[3][9] $79,330 $38.14

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36,950, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $79,330[3]. A percentile is a boundary in the pay ranking, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[10].

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses outside regular production pay or the cost of benefits[11]. About 23,220 people held these jobs in May 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

Hawaii had the highest state median at $77,740, followed by Massachusetts at $74,160 and Alaska at $72,520[13]. Hawaii and Alaska have small job counts, with 150 and 160 jobs[13].

Florida had the most jobs by a wide margin, at 4,810, with a median of $55,680[14][13]. Michigan (1,480), New York (1,470), California (1,230) and Texas (1,010) followed[14].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Urban Honolulu, HI had the highest median at $78,040[15]. Barnstable Town, MA ($75,420) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH ($72,790) came next[15]. The metro area with the most jobs was Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL, with 1,670 jobs and a median of $59,490[16].

Show median pay in 49 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Hawaii[13]$77,740150
Massachusetts$74,160890
Alaska$72,520160
Vermont$72,35050
New Jersey$71,880250
Oregon$66,460140
Connecticut$63,480560
Virginia$63,450n/a
Washington$63,020750
California$62,3301,230
Minnesota$61,010500
North Dakota$60,99070
Maine$60,510340
Maryland$60,310420
Delaware$60,230130
Arizona$59,390430
New York$58,9401,470
Rhode Island$58,470400
Colorado$57,05050
Wisconsin$56,920690
New Hampshire$56,160180
Florida$55,6804,810
Texas$53,2901,010
Louisiana$53,080240
Ohio$52,450400
Montana$52,16060
Pennsylvania$51,520400
North Carolina$51,430930
Indiana$51,200450
Kentucky$50,920360
Iowa$49,930110
Georgia$49,850390
Nevada$49,630n/a
Tennessee$49,120200
South Carolina$49,080620
Michigan$47,9001,480
Illinois$47,840360
Idaho$47,740100
Kansas$47,72090
South Dakota$46,84090
Utah$46,47070
Arkansas$45,860200
Nebraska$45,40080
Alabama$45,250420
Mississippi$43,80060
Missouri$43,580330
Oklahoma$39,920260
New Mexico$36,510n/a
West Virginia$36,48040

How to become a marine mechanic

BLS lists the typical entry path for motorboat mechanics as follows[6]:

The training details come from a BLS handbook profile that covers a wider group, small engine mechanics, not only motorboat mechanics[19]. That profile says reaching competency can take as little as several months or as long as 3 years, depending on specialization and ability[17]. It also says some workers seek postsecondary education, and that high school or vocational courses in small engine repair and automobile mechanics are often helpful[20]. Boat engines have grown more complex, so mechanics without postsecondary education often need more on-the-job training than outdoor power equipment mechanics[21].

In an O*NET survey of 37 workers, 54% said a post-secondary certificate is required, 24% said a high school diploma or equivalent, 12% said some college courses and 7% said less than a high school diploma[22]. Because the survey is small, treat these shares as a rough guide.

Many motorboat manufacturers offer certification for their own models. It is not required, but it can show competence and usually brings higher pay[23]. Manufacturer courses are often a prerequisite for warranty and brand-specific work[18].

What marine mechanics do

O*NET describes the work as fixing and tuning the electrical and mechanical parts of inboard and inboard-outboard boat engines[24]. Typical tasks include[25]:

The job also means talking with customers about problems and repairs[26], and paying attention to small details, because faults are often caused by easy-to-miss misalignments[27].

Where they work

This section draws on the wider handbook profile for small engine mechanics[19]. Other motor vehicle dealers were the largest employer, at 27% of those mechanics in 2025[28]. In the Employment Projections data, 7.3% of motorboat mechanics were self-employed in 2025[29].

The wider group generally works in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. Some jobs involve onsite repair calls in poor weather, and motorboat mechanics working on onboard engines may end up in cramped, uncomfortable positions[30].

Most small engine mechanics work full time, but seasonal workers often see their hours change[31]. Spring and summer are the busiest times, and some mechanics work a lot of overtime then. Some work only part time in winter[32]. Many employers try to even out the year by scheduling big jobs such as engine rebuilds in the off-season[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 25,000 jobs to 26,200[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[34]. These projection counts include self-employed workers, so they differ from the OEWS count above[2].

About 2,600 openings a year are projected on average from 2025 to 2035[5]. Openings include jobs left by workers who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 5% of workers leave the labor force and 4.6% move to a different occupation[35].

Is it a good fit?

The entry bar is a high school diploma with no related experience, but the on-the-job training is long-term[6]. Pay is above the all-occupations median, with $57,550 against $50,980[1][4]. The range is wide, from under $36,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to over $79,330 for the highest-paid 10%[3]. Employment is projected to grow a little faster than the all-occupations rate[2][34]. The work is hands-on and detail-focused[27][36], and hours can swing with the seasons[32].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a marine mechanic make an hour?
The median wage for this BLS category was $27.67 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $27.92[1][8]. The 10th percentile was $17.76 and the 90th was $38.14[9].
What education do you need to be a marine mechanic?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent, no related work experience, and long-term on-the-job training[6].
How long does it take to become a marine mechanic?
For the wider group of small engine mechanics, BLS says reaching competency may take from several months to 3 years, depending on specialization and ability[17][19].
Is marine mechanic work in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 2,600 openings a year[2][34][5].
Which state pays marine mechanics the most?
Hawaii had the highest median at $77,740, followed by Massachusetts ($74,160) and Alaska ($72,520)[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians in the US was $57,550 per year and $27.67 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians is projected to grow 4.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 25,000 to 26,200 jobs (a change of +1,200). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians: 10th percentile $36,950, 25th percentile $46,750, 75th percentile $66,620, 90th percentile $79,330. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 2,600 openings for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. O*NET 49-3051.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Marine Mechanic, Marine Propulsion Technician, Marine Technician, Mechanic, Outboard Motor Mechanic. O*NET OnLine
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians was $58,070 per year and $27.92 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians: 10th percentile $17.76, 25th percentile $22.48, 75th percentile $32.03, 90th percentile $38.14. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 23,220 people were employed as Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs: Florida 4,810; Michigan 1,480; New York 1,470; California 1,230; Texas 1,010. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): Urban Honolulu, HI $78,040; Barnstable Town, MA $75,420; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $72,790; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $71,410; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $70,600; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $64,140; Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $63,900; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $63,170. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 1,670 (median $59,490); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 940 (median $62,070); Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 610 (median $54,470); Providence-Warwick, RI-MA 500 (median $59,170); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 490 (median $72,790); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 460 (median $60,910). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Small Engine Mechanics" covers Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 49-3051.00 survey of workers (37 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 54%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 24%, Some College Courses 12%, Less than a High School Diploma 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET description of Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of small engine mechanics in 2025: Other motor vehicle dealers 27%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. BLS Employment Projections: 7.3% of Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians: 5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.