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Boat Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Cragun's Resort on beautiful Gull Lake is seeking a Part-Time/Seasonal Boat Captain to drive our illustrious North Star boat 1-2 days/week. * Safely operate passenger vessels in accordance with all ...

Cragun's Resort on beautiful Gull Lake is seeking a Part-Time/Seasonal Boat Captain to drive our illustrious North Star boat 1-2 days/week. * Safely operate passenger vessels in accordance with all ...

Cragun's Resort on beautiful Gull Lake is seeking a Part-Time/Seasonal Boat Captain to drive our illustrious North Star boat 1-2 days/week. * Safely operate passenger vessels in accordance with all ...

Cragun's Resort on beautiful Gull Lake is seeking a Part-Time/Seasonal Boat Captain to drive our illustrious North Star boat 1-2 days/week. * Safely operate passenger vessels in accordance with all ...

The boat hauler also launches and retrieves boats from customer locations and marinas. KEY TASKS: * Drives truck to destination, applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roads.

The boat hauler also launches and retrieves boats from customer locations and marinas. KEY TASKS: * Drives truck to destination, applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roads.

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Boat information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$25

$47

How much do boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat in Minnesota is $25.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Boating Jobs?

There are many jobs in the boating industry. Some positions are onboard a boat while others are available in boat sales, building, or even repair. Jobs on boats, whether small watercraft or large ships, are plentiful and can include everything from delivering mail to becoming the captain of a vessel. There are many types of captains you could be depending on the vessel, although duties and responsibilities differ for each. Other options in the boating industry include sailing instructor, towboat operator, water taxi captain, tour boat operator, and even yacht delivery driver.

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 different jobs on a boat?

Jobs on a boat include roles such as captain, deckhand, engineer, steward, and chef. These positions require specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety procedures, navigation, and maintenance. Crew members often work in shifts and must adapt to the maritime environment.

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 boat jobs make the most money?

In the boating industry, captain or master mariner positions typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Other high-paying roles include marine engineers and vessel managers, especially those with specialized skills, certifications, and experience operating large or commercial vessels.

How do I get into working on a boat?

To work on a boat, you typically need relevant skills such as seamanship, navigation, or maintenance, and often require certifications like a boating safety or maritime license. Gaining experience through entry-level positions, apprenticeships, or volunteering can help you build qualifications and understanding of the work environment.

How can I make money with a boat?

A boat operator can make money by offering services such as boat tours, fishing charters, or transportation. Skills in navigation, customer service, and proper licensing or certifications are often required, and scheduling can vary based on demand and seasonality.
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Boat jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Boat jobs in Minnesota? For Boat jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Boat jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Boat job openings:
Infographic showing various Boat job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,429 per year, or $25.2 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 12 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.