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Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Marine Mechanic
Also called: Boat Mechanic · Outboard Technician · Marine Service Technician · Marine Engine Mechanic
What marine mechanics do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a marine mechanic do?
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment of boats and outboard engines. The median pay is $57,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years of training, and employment is projected to grow +4.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$57,550$27.67/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.9%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year2,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs25,000Employment, 2025
What marine mechanics do
Marine mechanics keep boats running. They service outboard and inboard engines, repair fuel, cooling, steering and electrical systems, winterize and launch boats, rig new boats and diagnose problems with computer tools. They work at marinas, dealerships and boatyards.
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical, and marine technician programs help. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Service outboard and inboard engines
- Repair fuel and cooling systems
- Diagnose with scan tools
- Repair electrical systems
- Winterize and commission boats
- Rig new boats
- Sea trial repaired boats
Work environment and schedule
Marine mechanics work in shops, boatyards and on docks.
Schedule: Seasonal, with long hours in spring and summer.
A day in the life
- Pull a boat into the shop.
- Change lower unit oil.
- Diagnose a misfire.
- Replace a water pump impeller.
See a full day in the life of a marine mechanic →
Marine Mechanic salary
Half of marine mechanics earned more than $57,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,950 for the lowest 10% to $79,330 for the top 10%.
Full marine mechanic pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a marine mechanic
- Finish high school
- Complete a marine program
- Join a marina or dealer
- Earn manufacturer certifications
- Advance
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; marine technology programs help.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a marine mechanic →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Outboard and inboard engines
- Fuel systems
- Marine electrical
- Diagnostics
- Rigging
People skills
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Patience
- Reliability
All marine mechanic skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Work around boats and water
- No degree needed
- Variety of engines
- Seasonal overtime
Cons
- Seasonal swings
- Tight engine spaces
- Weather
- Customer pressure in peak season
Certifications and licenses
- Manufacturer certifications: Mercury, Yamaha and others.
- ABYC certification: American Boat and Yacht Council.
- Marine technician program: Postsecondary.
- EPA certification: For refrigerants on some boats.
Career path
- Helper: Entry.
- Marine Technician: Repair.
- Master Technician: Complex repairs.
- Service Manager: Run shop.
Learn the job before day one
Our Marine Mechanic training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as winterize an outboard motor and replace an outboard water pump impeller, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Marine Mechanic vs. Small Engine Mechanic · Marine Mechanic vs. Motorcycle Mechanic · Marine Mechanic vs. Diesel Mechanic · Marine Mechanic vs. RV Technician
Marine Mechanic FAQ
Is marine mechanic work seasonal?
Often, with busy spring and summer.
Do I need certification?
Manufacturer certifications help.
Do I need a degree?
No.
How much does a marine mechanic make?
The median annual wage for marine mechanics was $57,550 ($27.67 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,950 and the highest 10% earned more than $79,330.
How long does it take to become a marine mechanic?
Most people need about 1–2 years of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; marine technology programs help.
Do you need a degree to be a marine mechanic?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More marine mechanic questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3051 (Motorboat mechanics and service technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.