Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
SOC Code: 49-3051
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $54,950 and +6.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 26,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Motorboat mechanics and service technicians sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Motorboat mechanics and service technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Motorboat mechanics and service technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3051) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 26,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $54,950, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Motorboat mechanics and service technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- 2. Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- 3. Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- 4. Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- 5. Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- 6. Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
- 7. Idle motors and observe thermometers to determine the effectiveness of cooling systems.
- 8. Inspect and repair or adjust propellers or propeller shafts.
- 9. Adjust carburetor mixtures, electrical point settings, or timing while motors are running in water-filled test tanks.
- 10. Set starter locks and align and repair steering or throttle controls, using gauges, screwdrivers, or wrenches.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Equipment Selection
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Physics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Motorboat mechanics and service technicians is projected to grow by 6.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 26,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Key skills for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians include Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Motorboat mechanics and service technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians is $54,950, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Motorboat mechanics and service technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).