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Boat Building Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Premier Marine

Operations Manager

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We are actively seeking an Operations Manager with a proven track record in boat building, someone who is not only skilled leadership and management but also hungry to help drive growth for both our ...

Premier Marine

Operations Manager

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We are actively seeking an Operations Manager with a proven track record in boat building, someone who is not only skilled leadership and management but also hungry to help drive growth for both our ...

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All JobsBoat Building JobsBoat Building Jobs in Minnesota

Boat Building information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.4K

$96.1K

$145K

How much do boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat building in Minnesota is $96,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in boat building?

A typical day in boat building often involves reading design plans, preparing or shaping materials like wood or fiberglass, assembling components, and conducting quality checks to ensure safety and functionality. Employees may work individually on specialized tasks or as part of a team to bring various sections of a vessel together. The work environment can range from small artisan workshops to large shipyards, with an emphasis on both hands-on craftsmanship and project deadlines. Throughout the day, boat builders frequently collaborate with engineers, designers, and quality assurance staff to address challenges and maintain construction standards. This dynamic environment offers problem-solving opportunities and the satisfaction of seeing tangible progress on marine vessels.

How to get a job building boats?

To get a job building boats, gain experience through apprenticeships or technical training in boat building, woodworking, or marine technology. Skills in fiberglass, woodworking, and understanding of marine systems are valuable, and certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve employability. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training provided by employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Boat Building position, and why are they important?

To excel in Boat Building, a strong background in woodworking, metalworking, and marine engineering is typically required, often with experience or education in marine trades or vocational programs. Familiarity with tools such as saws, sanders, CAD design software, and, in some cases, relevant safety certifications are crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this field. Mastery of these skills ensures precision crafting, structural integrity, and efficient collaboration throughout the boat construction process.

What boat job pays the most?

In boat building, the highest-paying roles are often supervisory or specialized positions such as marine engineers, project managers, or senior shipwrights, which require advanced skills and experience. These roles can earn significantly more than entry-level positions and may involve overseeing large projects or working with complex materials and tools.

Is boat building a good career?

Boat building is a skilled trade that involves designing, constructing, and repairing boats, often requiring knowledge of woodworking, fiberglass, and marine systems. It can offer stable employment in shipyards, manufacturing facilities, or custom shops, with opportunities for specialization and certification. However, it may involve physically demanding work and exposure to environmental conditions, and job availability can vary by region and industry demand.

How much money can you make building boats?

Boat builders typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the boats they construct. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially in larger or custom boat manufacturing facilities.

What is a Boat Building job?

A Boat Building job involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining boats using materials such as wood, fiberglass, or metal. Boat builders work with blueprints, tools, and machinery to assemble hulls, decks, and interiors. They may specialize in certain types of boats, such as sailboats, yachts, or commercial vessels. Skills in carpentry, welding, and fiberglass work are often required. This job can be performed in boatyards, manufacturing facilities, or custom workshops.

What are popular job titles related to Boat Building jobs in Minnesota? For Boat Building jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat Building jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Building jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Boat Building jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Boat Building job openings:
Boat Building jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Building job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,125 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Marine Buyer / Used Boat Sales Specialist

Marine Buyer / Used Boat Sales Specialist

River Valley Companies

Rochester, MN • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Marine Buyer / Used Boat Sales Specialist
Used Boat Acquisition • Boat Valuation • Marine Sales • Consignment Management
Rochester, MN | Full-Time
$75,000-$95,000+ Annual Earnings (Base + Commission)
Turn Your Knowledge of Boats Into a Career
Do you know boats beyond the showroom floor?
Can you walk around a boat, evaluate its condition, identify value, recognize potential concerns, and understand what buyers are willing to pay?
River Valley Marine is hiring a Marine Buyer / Used Boat Sales Specialist to join our growing Rochester team. This is a unique opportunity for a marine professional who understands boats, enjoys negotiating deals, and wants to build a career focused on used boat sales, boat acquisition, valuation, and consignment management.
This role combines marine knowledge, boat appraisal, customer relationships, negotiation, inventory acquisition, and sales expertise. You will work directly with boat owners who are looking to sell, trade, or upgrade while helping build a high-quality inventory of pre-owned boats for one of North America's Top 10 Marine Dealers.
If your experience includes marine sales, boat sales, marine service, marine technician work, boat ownership, RV sales, automotive appraisal, powersports dealership experience, or other high-value product sales, we want to talk with you.
Compensation
Base Salary + Commission
  • Typical earnings: $75,000-$95,000+
  • Top performers earn $100,000+
  • Compensation tied to successful boat acquisition, inventory quality, deal structure, and profitability
  • Opportunity to grow earnings through performance

Why Join River Valley Marine?
Build a Career Around Boats
  • Work with boats every day
  • Use your marine knowledge to evaluate, acquire, and sell quality used boats
  • Become a trusted resource for boat owners throughout the region
  • Help customers buy, sell, trade, and consign their boats
  • Join one of North America's Top 10 Marine Dealers
  • Play a direct role in dealership inventory growth and profitability

Work With Premium Marine Products
You'll work with:
  • Used boats and pre-owned marine inventory
  • Pontoon boats
  • Fishing boats
  • Family recreation boats
  • Wake and watersports boats
  • Premium marine brands and accessories

What You'll Do
  • Source used boats through private sellers, trade-ins, referrals, online opportunities, and dealership relationships
  • Evaluate boat condition, features, maintenance history, market demand, and resale potential
  • Complete boat valuations and determine accurate acquisition pricing
  • Negotiate boat purchases, trade evaluations, and consignment agreements
  • Build and maintain profitable used boat inventory
  • Manage the boat acquisition process from initial contact through purchase completion
  • Create and maintain online boat listings through Facebook Marketplace and other digital platforms
  • Assist customers through the buying, selling, and consignment process
  • Support used boat sales opportunities and dealership events
  • Maintain accurate documentation, titles, contracts, and transaction records
  • Ensure acquired boats are professionally presented and positioned for resale

What We're Looking For
Required
  • Genuine passion for boating and the marine lifestyle
  • Strong understanding of boats, ownership experience, and marine products
  • Ability to evaluate vessel condition and determine market value
  • Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
  • Comfortable making purchasing and pricing decisions
  • Self-motivated with strong follow-through
  • Excellent organization and attention to detail
  • Valid driver's license

Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Marine Buyer
  • Used boat sales
  • Boat sales specialist
  • Marine sales consultant
  • Boat acquisition
  • Boat appraisal or valuation
  • Marine technician
  • Marine service advisor
  • Marine dealership experience
  • Consignment sales
  • Automotive appraisal or vehicle purchasing
  • RV sales
  • Powersports dealership experience
  • Inventory management
  • High-ticket sales

Experience with Facebook Marketplace, online boat listings, CRM systems, LightspeedEVO, DP360, Excel, or similar dealership software is a plus.
Schedule
  • Full-time, year-round position
  • Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-6:00 PM
  • Saturdays: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM (weekday off provided)
  • Seasonal business cycles impact daily activity levels

Benefits
Health & Wellness
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Medical plans starting around $50/month
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Virtual healthcare access

Financial
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Traditional and Roth retirement options
  • Financial planning resources

Additional Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid holidays
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term disability coverage
  • Accident, critical illness, and supplemental insurance options
  • Employee discounts on boats, parts, accessories, and apparel
  • Company-provided apparel

About River Valley Marine
River Valley Marine has been serving Minnesota boaters since 1996. As part of River Valley Companies, we are a family-owned marine and powersports dealership group with locations in Rochester, Red Wing, and Lake Minnetonka.
Our success is built around passionate employees who understand boating, value customer relationships, and enjoy helping people buy, sell, trade, and enjoy their time on the water.
We believe the best marine professionals combine product knowledge, business sense, negotiation skills, and a genuine passion for the boating lifestyle.
Apply Today
If you're searching for Marine Buyer jobs, Used Boat Sales jobs, Boat Acquisition Specialist jobs, Boat Appraiser jobs, Marine Sales jobs, Boat Valuation jobs, Consignment Specialist jobs, Marine Inventory jobs, Marine Dealership jobs, or Boat Sales jobs in Rochester, MN, we'd love to hear from you.
If you understand boats, enjoy evaluating opportunities, negotiating deals, and helping customers transition into their next boat, this could be the career opportunity you've been looking for.
Apply today. Interviews are being scheduled immediately.

Apply