Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Machines can already do 12% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 41%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 12% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2038, and 41% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 23,220 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $57,550 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 77% for contact with people.
- Also called: Boat Mechanic, Boat Motor Mechanic, Boat Rigger, Marine Mechanic.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters | 17% | 3% to 30% | |
| Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines | 14% | 3% to 30% | |
| Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs | 12% | 3% to 30% | |
| Disassemble and inspect motors to locate defective parts, using mechanic's hand tools and gauges | 10% | 3% to 30% | |
| Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed | 9% | 70% to 95% | |
| Adjust generators and replace faulty wiring, using hand tools and soldering irons | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests | 5% | 3% to 30% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills motorboat mechanics and service technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,420
- Pile Driver Operators33% of tasks by 2035 · US median $73,300
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists34% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,770
- Motorcycle Mechanics37% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,580
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2038. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of motorboat mechanics and service technicians?
Machines can do 12% of the tasks of motorboat mechanics and service technicians today and 41% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 49-3051.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/motorboat-mechanics-and-service-technicians/