Motorboat mechanics and service technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

AI Resistance Index 97 of 99

Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 97% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by +4.9% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on physical dexterity and ethical judgement.

AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.

Median pay (2025): $57,550
Job growth to 2035: +4.9%
Openings a year: 2,600
People doing it (2025): 25,000
Usual route in: High school diploma, then long on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
Document technical designs, procedures, or activities

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Repair vehicle components
Monitor equipment operation
Inspect vehicles

What the work looks like

Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

More of these jobs, as consumer demand for recreational boating and technological improvements that make boats more affordable and user-friendly are expected to increase boat ownership and rental services, driving demand for boat servicing and repair.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Farm equipment mechanics and service techniciansHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +10.7%
Solar photovoltaic installersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +36.5%
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workersHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +5.3%
Tree trimmers and prunersHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +4.2%

Also known as: Marine Mechanic, Marine Technician, Mechanic, Service Technician, Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Marine Propulsion Technician.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.