🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Marine Mechanic / Boat Engine Tech

Marine mechanics service and repair boats, jet skis, and other watercraft — a fun niche trade for people who love the water. Coastal regions and recreational boating communities offer strong year-round or seasonal demand, and specialists with diesel and outboard certifications command premium rates.

$43,430 Median Salary
22K US Jobs
1–2 years Training
$4,000–$15,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$31,000
Median
$43,430
Experienced
$61,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
22K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
ABYC Marine Tech Certification + Manufacturer Certifications
Required Credential
ABYC Marine Tech Certification + Manufacturer Certifications

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Marine Technology Program or Apprenticeship
Program Length
1–2 years
Typical Tuition
$4,000–$15,000
Work Setting
Marinas, boat dealerships, repair shops, mobile service
🏆 Credential Required: ABYC Marine Tech Certification + Manufacturer Certifications

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Marine Mechanic / Boat Engine Tech involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Marinas environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Marine Mechanic / Boat Engine Tech by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC