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Boat Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operating a motor-driven boat to carry passengers * Following all safety protocols for loading and unloading * Ensuring all equipment is maintained * Cleaning the boat * Distributing life jackets and ...

Experience in boat handling and seamanship: licensed boater or captain is desired. Experience implementing COLREGs into the safety of navigation of UxS. Experience with operating satellite, cellular ...

Boat Driver

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$13/hr

This role involves, however not limited to, operating a double-decker pontoon of our fleet ... State of Tennessee boating license, previous boat operating experience preferred, excellent ...

This role involves, however not limited to, operating a double-decker pontoon of our fleet ... State of Tennessee boating license, previous boat operating experience preferred, excellent ...

Safety boat operator Training water rescue, CPR/AED First Aid Must be able to swim Work independently Lift over 50 lbs EMT, First Responder, Nursing, boating background ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the ...

You will work closely with customers to ensure their boats are operating safely and efficiently. If ... Perform boat winterization and de-winterization to ensure the vessel is protected during off-season ...

$30.22 - $34.34/hr

The Harbor Patrol Captain I is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner credential with an OUPV endorsement. The Harbor Patrol Captain II is an experienced boat operator holding a ...

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BOAT Operator information

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$11

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$29

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in the United States is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Boat Operator on a daily basis?

Boat Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining strict adherence to navigational rules. They must remain vigilant for hazards like other vessels, submerged objects, or mechanical issues. Effective communication and teamwork with crew members are essential for smooth operations, especially during high-traffic periods or emergency situations. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For boat operators, earning around $100,000 annually typically requires experience, specialized skills, and often working in high-demand environments such as commercial shipping, offshore drilling, or luxury yacht charters. Certifications like a captain's license and extensive sea time can also contribute to higher earnings in this field.

What Does a Boat Operator Do?

The responsibilities of a boat operator include using knowledge of winds, weather, water depths, and currents to pilot a motorboat, private watercraft (PWC), or other watercraft safely. In this career, you load and transport various pieces of equipment, supplies, or passengers and maintain communication with boat crew, other ships, and harbor patrol. Other duties may be to navigate the vessel in and out of harbors and docks and fender, moor, and anchor the vessel at the destination. You consult maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment, give directions to crew members, and update logs required by the USCG and management. You are also expected to maintain safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, boat fenders, and pumps, as well as service motors and direct boat maintenance and cleaning.

What does a Boat Operator do?

A Boat Operator is responsible for navigating and operating boats or other watercraft safely and efficiently. Their duties often include steering the vessel, monitoring weather and water conditions, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and performing routine maintenance checks. Boat Operators may work on different types of boats, such as ferries, fishing vessels, or tour boats, and must comply with maritime laws and safety regulations. They often need specialized training and licensing depending on the size and type of vessel they operate.

What is the difference between Boat Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat OperatorMarine Deckhand
CertificationsBoating safety, boat handling licensesSTCW certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOn boats, marinas, docksOn ships, docks, offshore
Employer & IndustryMarinas, tour companies, fishing chartersCommercial shipping, cargo, cruise lines

While both roles involve working on boats, a Boat Operator primarily focuses on navigating and operating vessels, often in recreational or small commercial settings. A Marine Deckhand assists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling, and safety procedures, typically in larger, commercial maritime environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Operator, you need strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime laws, and typically a valid boating license or certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and safety equipment is essential. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient vessel operation. These skills are critical for protecting passengers, cargo, and the vessel itself while adhering to maritime regulations.
What cities are hiring for Boat Operator jobs? Cities with the most Boat Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Operator jobs? The most popular types of Boat Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Boat Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs? For Boat Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,758 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Brunswick New York Mills - Boat Prep - Re-tape

Brunswick New York Mills - Boat Prep - Re-tape

Brunswick Corporation

Brunswick, NY โ€ข On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Are you ready for what's next?
Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes "Next Never Restsโ„ข," and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.
Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:
Position Overview:
Performs cleaning and preparation tasks on Lund and Crestliner boats in a large manufacturing facility. Ability to train on various tasks within the Paint Department.
At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.
Apply high energy, self-motivation, and initiative to learn and be trained on various types of equipment and processes.
  • Inject rotation foam into the boat hull.
  • Ability to maintain process documentation.
  • Daily job duties will be varied and dynamic.
  • Workload will be tracked via daily schedules and assignments requiring responsibility and accountability for quality and timeliness of completion.
  • Compliance to safety policies and procedures is required, as well as identifying risks and hazards prior to job completion.
  • Practice good housekeeping.
  • Sand and prepare boats for the prime/paint process.
  • Tasks are performed in the Acid Etching area using a conveyor system.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.
Required and Preferred Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Three months experience in a manufacturing setting preferred.
  • Ability to be respirator certified to wear a fresh air supplied respirator.
  • Must have basic math, reading and measurement skills.
  • Ability to follow established safety process to handle chemicals and equipment.
  • Detailed orientated with good organizational skills
  • Good safety awareness, attitude, and attendance
  • Self-starter and a team player
  • Computer skills and knowledge of 5S, Kaizen and LSS a plus

Working Conditions:
Requires standing, bending and twisting for a 10-hour shift in the paint area. Working inside paint booths in all possible weather conditions (extreme heat). Regularly required to work at heights on platforms, lifting parts and pieces up to 50 lbs, traveling up and down stairs on a constant basis, sitting, squatting, and bending in various awkward positions for certain lengths of time - including working overhead, traveling in and out of work areas, walking and being on your feet for a majority of the workday. Exposed to noise, dust, fumes, and odors daily. Physical exertion is required.
The anticipated pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00, hourly. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.
At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate's qualifications and the business context.
This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, which includes medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), wellbeing program, product purchase discounts, and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here.
Why Brunswick:
Whatever tomorrow brings, we'll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we're committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we're proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!
About Brunswick Boat Group:
Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Each brand carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance that has shaped the boating industry worldwide.
Across our fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing facilities, our team members are the driving force behind our success. We foster a culture rooted in safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and personal growth. Whether you're building unsinkable legends, pioneering wake sports, or crafting fishing and pontoon boats trusted for generations, you'll be part of a united team committed to delivering exceptional experiences on the water.
Next is Now!
We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.
Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com for support.
For more information about EEO laws, - click here
Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.
Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies
Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942.
All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com.
#Brunswick Corporation