How Much Does a Boat Operator Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Boat Operator in California is $52,659. While Salary.com is seeing that Boat Operator salary in CA can go up to $64,220 or down to $46,711, but most earn between $49,545 and $58,710. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Boat Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Mello Marine
Boat Detailer
$54,371/yr
$46,699
$62,042
RANGE: $46,699 - $62,042
Encore Dredging Partners
TENDER BOAT OPERATOR - TEXAS
$58,006/yr
$48,380
$67,633
RANGE: $48,380 - $67,633
Rogers Lake Authority
Patrol Boat Operator
$55,332/yr
$48,272
$62,393
RANGE: $48,272 - $62,393
Garney Construction
Tug Boat Operator
$58,598/yr
$48,873
$68,323
RANGE: $48,873 - $68,323
Rogers Surveying PLLC
Boat Operator Vessel Captain
$72,242/yr
$61,899
$82,586
RANGE: $61,899 - $82,586
Abhe & Svoboda, Inc.
Crane, Boat, and Equipment Operator
$63,734/yr
$53,321
$74,147
RANGE: $53,321 - $74,147
Supreme Marine & RV
Equipment Operator/Boat Yard
$60,294/yr
$50,685
$69,902
RANGE: $50,685 - $69,902
Nauset Marine
CDL Boat Operator
$58,996/yr
$51,767
$66,226
RANGE: $51,767 - $66,226
Royal Caribbean Group
PARASAIL BOAT OPERATOR
$64,548/yr
$55,667
$73,428
RANGE: $55,667 - $73,428

Open Boat Operator Jobs in California

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Boat Operator Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Boat Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Boat Operator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Boat Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Boat Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Boat Operator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Boat Operator salary is $60,217 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Boat Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Boat Operator in California is $52,659, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Boat Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Boat Operator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $60,217 $5,018 $1,158 $29
Santa Clara $60,217 $5,018 $1,158 $29
Fremont $60,102 $5,009 $1,156 $29
San Francisco $59,625 $4,969 $1,147 $29
Daly City $59,625 $4,969 $1,147 $29
Berkeley $58,302 $4,859 $1,121 $28
Oakland $58,302 $4,859 $1,121 $28
Hayward $58,207 $4,851 $1,119 $28
Antioch $55,008 $4,584 $1,058 $26
Vallejo $53,710 $4,476 $1,033 $26

What Does a Boat Operator Do?

Operator inattention and inexperience are two main factors that can result in the negligent operation of a boat.
Updated December 09, 2021
BOAT OPERATOR INATTENTION, IMPROPER LOOKOUT, INEXPERIENCE, AND EXCESSIVE SPEED RANK IN THE TOP FIVE PRIMARY CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN ACCIDENTS.*.
Updated October 24, 2021
With the Boat Operator's Certification Program, USPS will certify USPS members at various levels of recreational boating proficiency.
Updated October 14, 2021
Candidates that have made it through the pipeline are awarded their SWCC pins, designating them as a Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) rating.
Updated December 10, 2021
The qualifications required to work as a boat operator include a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver’s license, and a boating safety certificate.
Updated December 06, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Boat Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Boat Operator in California?

The Boat Operator salary range is from $49,545 to $58,710, and the average Boat Operator salary is $52,659/year in California. The Boat Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Boat Operator salary in the United States?

The Boat Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,217 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Boat Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Boat Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Boat Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Boat Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Boat Operator.