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Boat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Composite Fabricator (Boat Builder) Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats is rapidly scaling ...

Composite Fabricator (Boat Builder) Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats is rapidly scaling ...

Composite Fabricator (Boat Builder) Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits Role Overview: Seasats is rapidly scaling ...

Ferry Boat Captain

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

The Captain is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This role requires a positive attitude ...

Designing best-in-class interfaces for recreational boat control, commercial vessel subsystems, and customer service experiences, spanning both Arc Sport (consumer) and Tug/Ferry (commercial)

UX UI Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$160K/yr

Designing best-in-class interfaces for recreational boat control, commercial vessel subsystems, and customer service experiences, spanning both Arc Sport (consumer) and Tug/Ferry (commercial)

Showing results 21-40

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.

Waterborne Security Boat Instructor with Security Clearance

Prevailance, Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract Description
Prevailance is seeking an experienced, mission-focused professional to join the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) as a Waterborne Security Boat Instructor. This is a high-risk instructor role, involving both classroom and operational training. Travel may be required. Key Responsibilities: -Deliver high-risk, group-paced instruction on security boat tactics, techniques, and procedures in both classroom and underway training environments
-Utilize Safety/Operational Risk Management, Classroom Teaching Fundamentals, Training Requirements and Training Plans, and Training Scenario Scripting Requirements
Qualifications: -Navy Instructor (9502) certification or equivalent -Certified coxswain
-At least three (3) years of documented operational security boat driving experience in one or more of the following:
--Navy Harbor Security Maritime Detachment
--U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Forces (CRF) Detachment
--U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant Crewman (SWCC)
--USCG Shore-Based Boat Unit or Maritime Patrol Forces operating Fast Response Cutters (FRC), Patrol Boats (WPB), or Coastal Patrol Boats (CPB)
--USCG Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) such as MSRT, MSST, or PSU Skills and Expertise: -Tactical and Leadership Experience: Minimum of three (3) years in a maritime environment with a strong background in tactical operations, boat maintenance, and Navy Force Protection boats
-Coxswain Skills: Experience with launch and recovery, open water and confined space maneuvering, high-speed tactical maneuvers, towing, and VBSS operations
-Maritime Navigation Proficiency: Skilled in maritime navigation, including knowledge of aids to navigation, rules of the road, and plotting on nautical charts, with the ability to navigate at night
-Small Boat Tactical Operations: Proficient in team organization, multi-craft formations, patrols, MIO support, live fire operations, and escort missions, with experience in risk assessments using the ORM process
-Craft Systems and Sub-Systems: Expertise in electronic navigation systems, communication equipment, and operation and maintenance of water jet and propeller-driven craft Additional Requirements: -Experience in logistical movement and transportation of small craft and associated gear for over-the-road and hoisting operations
-Tactical operations planning experience using military decision-making processes, including mission coordination, concept of operations, and mission debriefing
-Ability to qualify as a Second-Class Swimmer per NETC P1552/16 standards, with normal color vision (FALANT color vision test and no night blindness) Security Clearance: -Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance If you meet these qualifications and are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply today! Prevailance, Inc. proudly supports veterans as a member of the V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) program and the Hire Vets initiative. Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2025, Prevailance fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment for its team members. We provide a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, designed to support health, wellness, and financial security. Our benefits include: Medical Insurance
TriCare Supplemental
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
Paid Time Off (PTO)
11 Paid Holidays
Education Reimbursement Program
Computing Device Reimbursement Program Prevailance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.