How Much Does a Watercraft Operator Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Watercraft Operator in the United States is $48,236. While Salary.com is seeing that Watercraft Operator salary in the US can go up to $59,539 or down to $37,452, but most earn between $42,591 and $54,152. 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 Watercraft Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Nauset Marine
Watercraft Hauler
$57,641/yr
$47,830
$67,452
RANGE: $47,830 - $67,452
Nepco Lake District
Watercraft Inspector
$70,168/yr
$60,130
$80,207
RANGE: $60,130 - $80,207
Nauset Marine
Watercraft Transporter
$44,704/yr
$40,292
$49,116
RANGE: $40,292 - $49,116
Innovative Reasoning
Watercraft Tactical Maneuver Analyst
$80,604/yr
$69,073
$92,135
RANGE: $69,073 - $92,135
Nauset Marine
Watercraft Maintenance Professional
$118,062/yr
$105,965
$130,159
RANGE: $105,965 - $130,159
HII
Marine Watercraft Mechanic - 22488
$66,318/yr
$57,510
$75,126
RANGE: $57,510 - $75,126
Nauset Marine
Watercraft Maintenance Expert
$76,794/yr
$65,808
$87,780
RANGE: $65,808 - $87,780
Paul Smith's College
AWI Watercraft Inspection Stewards
$52,257/yr
$44,639
$59,875
RANGE: $44,639 - $59,875
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Watercraft Inspection Steward
$56,787/yr
$46,120
$67,454
RANGE: $46,120 - $67,454

Open Watercraft Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Watercraft Operator Do?

Watercraft Operators receive extensive training in damage control, firefighting, lifesaving, and rescue procedures.
Updated December 17, 2021
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS When at speed and the brake is first applied, a plume of water will shoot up in the air behind the watercraft and may cause the operator of a following watercraft to momentarily loose sight of your PWC.
Updated December 01, 2021
As a Watercraft Operator, you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft.
Updated November 23, 2021
Army Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K) are responsible for assisting with navigation, cargo operations, security and communication on Army watercraft.
Updated November 09, 2021
(e) For the purposes of this section, a person is considered to be accompanying the operator of a personal watercraft if the person is on board the personal watercraft when underway.
Updated November 07, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Watercraft Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Watercraft Operator in the United States?

The Watercraft Operator salary range is from $42,591 to $54,152, and the average Watercraft Operator salary is $48,236/year in the United States. The Watercraft Operator's salary will change in different locations.

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

The Watercraft Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,839 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Watercraft 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 Watercraft Operator.

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

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

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Watercraft Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$23 Hourly
A Watercraft Operator in Escondido, CA reported making $23 per hour
Escondido, CA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$23 Hourly
A Watercraft Operator in Houma, LA reported making $23 per hour
Houma, LA
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$46,903 Yearly
A Watercraft Operator in Madison, AL reported making $46,903 per year
Madison, AL
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$42,042 Yearly
A Watercraft Operator in Tuscaloosa, AL reported making $42,042 per year
Tuscaloosa, AL
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$53,580 Yearly
A Watercraft Operator in Newark, OH reported making $53,580 per year
Newark, OH
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$3,255 Monthly
A Watercraft Operator in Woonsocket, RI reported making $3,255 per month
Woonsocket, RI
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public