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Boat Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

... boat launching ramp area. Pay Rate: $ 14.75 per hour Major Duties/Specific Tasks * Assists with operation of facility by collecting fees, operating cash registers, issuing fee receipt tickets ...

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Boat Operator information

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$12

$23

$33

How much do boat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat operator in Washington is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.97 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 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 most commonly searched types of Boat Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Boat Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Boat Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Boat Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Boat Operator jobs in WA? For Boat Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Boat Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,428 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

US Navy

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Title: Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC)
Category / Component: Enlisted • Active
Overview
Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions, gather reconnaissance, and deliver precision fires in support of Naval Special Warfare and joint operations.
Key Responsibilities
Insert and extract SEALs and other special operations personnel from rivers, coasts, and contested littoral areas; operate and maintain high speed combatant craft, engines, weapons, communications, and navigation systems; collect data on enemy installations, shipping, and coastal activity; assist military and civilian law enforcement agencies when directed; conduct direct action raids against enemy shipping and waterborne traffic; integrate with and support other special operations forces and naval strike groups.
What to Expect
Operate day and night in cold weather, desert, tropical, and jungle environments; frequent field training and live fire exercises with limited administrative time; physically and mentally demanding missions that require excellent conditioning, small boat handling skills, and calm performance under pressure; strong team culture with high expectations for professionalism, reliability, and resilience.
Work Environment
Worldwide deployments along rivers, coastlines, and in littoral regions; work from small, heavily armed boats, larger support ships, and forward shore bases; live and train in tight knit teams with extended time in the field and at sea; exposure to harsh weather, rough seas, and high noise from engines and weapons systems.
Pathways, Training & Advancement
Recruit Training followed by Naval Special Warfare Orientation in Coronado; Basic Crewman Selection, Basic Crewman Training, and Crewman Qualification Training that cover small boat operations, weapons, communications, navigation, and special operations support; continued advanced training in tactics, insertion methods, intelligence, and leadership as you progress and qualify in the community.
Volunteer for the SWCC program while in the Delayed Entry Program or from within the Fleet prior to the thirty first birthday, then pass screening, physical testing, and community selection to enter the SWCC training pipeline.
Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
  • A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor’s or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
  • Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
  • Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
  • Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
  • Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
  • Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
  • Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.
    Additional qualifications for this job may include:
    Excellent physical condition and strong swimming ability; eyesight within required limits, for example 20/40 best eye and 20/70 worst eye correctable to 20/25, with normal color vision; qualifying ASVAB scores such as minimum combinations in arithmetic reasoning, verbal, and mechanical comprehension; age 30 or younger at accession; United States citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance; mechanical aptitude and solid arithmetic and algebra skills.
    Education
    Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor’s status, training, and current Navy policy.
    Pay, Benefits & Service
    Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.
    Incentives
    Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.
    Notes and Disclaimers
    This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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