Marine Mechanic Median Annual Salary: Top Paying by State Ranking

If you love working with your hands and have a passion for boats and marine equipment, a career as a marine technician could be for you. Marine technicians, also called marine mechanics, maintain and repair outboard and inboard engines, vessels, sterndrives and diesel engines. They diagnose problems, perform routine maintenance, test engines and fix issues.

Working on marine equipment can be a fulfilling job. You may work on equipment that powers global trade, repairing ships that transport goods and products around the world. Some marine technicians repair boats for individuals or businesses that rely on them. In any case, you get to be surrounded by open water and master some of the world’s most powerful equipment.

Keep reading to learn more about how much marine mechanics make!

Key points:

- Marine technicians, also known as marine mechanics, are responsible for maintaining and repairing various marine equipment, including outboard and inboard engines, vessels, sterndrives and diesel engines. They diagnose problems, perform routine maintenance and fix issues, making this a fulfilling career for those passionate about working with their hands and boats.

- Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) offers training for those interested in pursuing a career as a marine technician, with programs that include training on products from five major manufacturers in the marine industry.^1.3

- The demand for marine technicians is driven by various factors, including the need for maintenance and repair of recreational boats, commercial vessels and equipment used in industries such as fishing, tourism and transportation, highlighting the importance of skilled technicians in supporting both local economies and global trade.

How Much Do Marine Mechanics Make?

What is a marine mechanic's salary? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $49,990 ($24.04 hourly) in May 2023.³¹ This means half of marine technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

In the following list, you’ll find the 2023 annual median wages, reported in May 2023, for marine mechanics throughout the United States (You can find data on the BLS website for all states except for New Mexico, West Virginia, Wyoming and the District of Columbia.) Let’s dive in!

Annual Median Boat Mechanic Salaries of Top 10 States

1. Hawaii: $64,480

The islands of Hawaii are a prime area for boating. There are marine mechanic needs for both recreational and businesses boating. Hawaii is a significant producer and exporter of goods like sugar and pineapples, and another main industry here is defense. All of these require marine technicians to keep things running smoothly.

2. Massachusetts: $62,250

Massachusetts is another coastal state where boats and ships abound. One of the state’s top industries is fishing, and food processing and storage is a major economic driver here. Tourism is also a big industry in Massachusetts. Marine mechanics are needed to power export services and boats for locals and vacationers in the area.

3. Washington: $61,700

Washington is a nature lover's dream, with plenty of forests and mountains to explore. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington’s key industries include agriculture, maritime, military and defense and tourism. These factors make marine mechanics an important role in Washington, and there will be plenty of things to do, with Seattle’s bustling entertainment scene.

4. California: $61,190

California has an extensive coastline, which spans over 800 miles and includes bustling marinas and ports. The state's thriving boating culture, with communities like Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego help fuel the need for marine maintenance and repair. The tourism industry, paired with a significant number of luxury yachts and recreational boats, also contributes to that demand.

5. Alaska: $60,670

With fishing and tourism being top industries in Alaska, marine mechanics are needed to help keep the state’s economy running. Beyond that, the amount of wildlife and beauty you can find in Alaska might leave you wanting to get out there yourself, making it a great place to work and live.

6. Rhode Island: $58,680

7. Utah: $58,360

8.  Connecticut: $58,020

Connecticut’s coastal location makes it a prime area for boating, sailing and fishing. Aerospace and defense is one of Connecticut’s growing industries! Marine mechanics here can work on motors and parts for all types of boats and ships.

9. New York: $57,350

New York has an extensive network of waterways, including the Hudson River, the Great Lakes, and Long Island Sound, which are integral to both commercial and recreational boating. There is also a presence of boating communities such as the Hamptons and the North Shore of Long Island.

10. Vermont: $57,200

Vermont is known for its beautiful natural landscape, including Lake Champlain in the northwest part of the state. Boating is popular among visitors, which opens the door to different opportunities for skilled marine technicians.

Train for a Career at Marine Mechanics Institute

If working on jobs and within industries like those mentioned above interests you, consider enrolling at Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI). At MMI, students receive training on products of five major manufacturers that are part of the marine industry.

To learn more, visit our Marine Technician Specialist training program page and request information to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.