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Boat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Launch Boat Captain Position Summary The Launch Boat Captain is responsible for the safe, courteous, and efficient operation of the yacht club's launch vessel, transporting members, guests, supplies ...

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

In boat detailer jobs, you have various duties, including cleaning the boat in detail in preparation for its return to the customer. Additionally, the boat washer is a valuable yard hand and will be ...

Boat Washer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

In boat detailer jobs, you have various duties, including cleaning the boat in detail in preparation for its return to the customer. Additionally, the boat washer is a valuable yard hand and will be ...

Boat Attendant

Mineral, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Boat Attendant Snow Mountain, LLC is located in the spectacular Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. As one of the country's oldest national parks, Lassen is consumed with gorgeous hiking ...

Boat Attendant Snow Mountain, LLC is located in the spectacular Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. As one of the country's oldest national parks, Lassen is consumed with gorgeous hiking ...

$18.50/hr

Our Contra Loma location is looking for boat inspectors to help. Come join our Team ! Ensure that the Company's goals of protecting the natural environment are met by thoroughly inspecting all ...

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Boat information

See California salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat in California is $25.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are boat jobs?

Boat jobs refer to a wide range of occupations that involve working on or with boats. These jobs can include positions such as deckhands, captains, engineers, fishing crew, tour guides, and maintenance workers. People in boat jobs may work on commercial vessels, fishing boats, ferries, yachts, or tour boats. The work environment can vary from open water to harbors and ports, and often requires specialized training or certifications. Boat jobs can offer unique opportunities for travel, teamwork, and hands-on experience.

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

To thrive as a Boat Captain, you need strong navigational skills, maritime safety knowledge, and the appropriate captain’s license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, radar, marine radios, and compliance with maritime regulations are essential technical requirements. Leadership, calm decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to safely and efficiently operating vessels while ensuring compliance and a positive onboard experience.

What are some common challenges faced by boat captains when managing a crew on longer voyages?

Boat captains often encounter challenges related to maintaining clear communication and teamwork among crew members, especially during extended trips. Managing fatigue, ensuring everyone follows safety protocols, and resolving interpersonal conflicts are important aspects of the role. Captains must be skilled at delegating responsibilities, monitoring morale, and adapting plans in response to changing weather or operational conditions. Proactive leadership and regular check-ins with the crew are key to a smooth and safe voyage.

What is the difference between Boat vs Marine Technician?

AspectBoatMarine Technician
CertificationsBoating licenses, safety certificationsMarine certifications, engine repair licenses
Work EnvironmentMarinas, docks, watercraftShipyards, repair shops, on-site at vessels
Industry UsageRecreational and small commercial boatsCommercial ships, yachts, larger vessels

While both roles involve working with watercraft, a Boat typically refers to the vessel itself, often associated with recreational use. A Marine Technician specializes in repairing and maintaining marine engines and systems, often working on larger vessels or in repair facilities. The two roles overlap in industry and certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat jobs in California?

The most popular types of Boat jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat jobs in California?

For Boat jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Boat jobs?

Cities in California with the most Boat job openings:

Infographic showing various Boat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,830 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Small Boat Captain

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Worksite: NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Status: Part-Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Travel: Yes
Pay: $30-$42/hr, depending on license, qualifications, and experience
Job Summary
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and well-qualified captain to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) in Santa Barbara, CA. CINMS operates and maintains the 62' research vessel Shearwater , the 28' research vessel Minke , and occasionally other NOAA-owned vessels on the West Coast to conduct scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and education/outreach missions, while preserving submerged resources and increasing awareness of maritime heritage.
CPC is looking for a captain who is passionate about missions in the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.). Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats. and the vessels require regular maintenance and periodic troubleshooting.
Tasks
• Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels at all times, in accordance with all NOAA policy guidelines, vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, and specifically NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (NSBSPM), NOA 209-125, MARPOL, and COLREGS.
• Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able, and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements. Conduct an Operational Risk Assessment with crew members prior to getting underway. This includes assessing weather and sea-state forecasts for the mission area.
• Coordinate and support emergent repairs to CINMS small boat assets as required. Provide oversight during shipyard and repair periods. Help coordinate engineering work requiring certified technician assistance from engineering contractors, naval architects, electricians, and marine surveyors if required.
• Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
• Conduct the vessel pre-departure checklist, hold a safety briefing for all embarked personnel at the start of every cruise day, and ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
• Operate deck equipment including A-frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
• Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's log.
• Be ready and available for emergency responses.
Requirements
Required certifications and experience
• Possess an active USCG license (100 tons or above).
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, or similar research or law enforcement vessels.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and small cranes.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, divers, and vessel skiff using A frame, oceanographic winch, capstan and boat crane.
• Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engines and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules.
• Working knowledge of FCC marine radio licensing requirements and operations procedures, including marine distress communications.
• Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance.
• Physically able to work in confined machinery spaces and in remote and rugged offshore environments.
Highly desired skills and experience
• Knowledge and experience with California coastline, especially around the Channel Islands.
• Experience driving/following transect lines at low speed.
• Experience with Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) tracking.
• Experience with vessel operations for SCUBA diving operations at anchor and live boating.
AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$30-$42/hr, DOE