Marine Tech Salary ??!!

[BigDog98]

So I am considering a sharp turn for a carrier change. Was maybe thinking a marine tech but not like a regular no name boat mechanic, was thinking like a tech for Mercruiser or well known companies. Most research I have done is from early 2000 and data is no longer accurate. I read up on that average is 30-40k a year but that's for mechanics that work for shops. Anyone have any clue what Mercury pays or maybe a boat building company? Thanks

 

[Dave-R]

Not if you are a big dog. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I was a Munchkin or a tiny Dwarf. Boats can be a pig to work on. They never seem to give you enough room to do what you need. There are a lot Marine tech's that have there own roaming business that do pretty well around Utah. Depending on where you are located, I would think steady work will be seasonal. Not good if you like to eat all year round like I do. Dave-R

 

[Fun Times]

Join the coast guard BD, You're still young enough plus being around the water seems to be within your heart....:encouragement:

 

[tpenfield]

BD . . . I have occasionally thought about transitioning to the boating industry, as you are considering. However, I don't think you'll be buying a home in the Hamptons any time soon with the income that you will be looking at.

FWIW - I did find some more current salary data for marine mechanic/technicians on the web

After a while, you may be looking at $40-60K base and then overtime, if available, may bring you to the $75K range. Kind of depends on where you take it once you make the jump.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Are you talking about working for Mercury Marine actually building motors? Or a shop that has factory trained techs?

 

[Yegboats]

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/ca...Overlay_IP=ca&utm_campaign=Region+Redirection

This might help.

 

[BigDog98]

Are you talking about working for Mercury Marine actually building motors? Or a shop that has factory trained techs?

Factory trained techs for mercury.

 

[BigDog98]

Join the coast guard BD, You're still young enough plus being around the water seems to be within your heart....:encouragement:

I considered that at one point but that was before I started running my own side business and can't see myself letting go of that since its a good chunk of my current income. Pus the CG salary is surprising low. Wont be near enough to pay for all my loans and business expense.

 

[BigDog98]

Not if you are a big dog. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I was a Munchkin or a tiny Dwarf. Boats can be a pig to work on. They never seem to give you enough room to do what you need. There are a lot Marine tech's that have there own roaming business that do pretty well around Utah. Depending on where you are located, I would think steady work will be seasonal. Not good if you like to eat all year round like I do. Dave-R

haha , that is just the name. I actually don't have much of a problem when fitting in my boats engine compartment. But I do know that some boats are a pain like bayliner. I do not mind doing it seasonal because I have another side business to run and as much as I would love to let go of it I just can't, its a big part of my current income. But I would like to spice up my work because web developing is the only thing I know how to do and it is getting boring but makes more money than a regular mechanic but it is very unstable when self employed.

 

[ondarvr]

The marine industry has gotten smaller over the last ten years, in some regions it's virtually disappeared, but in areas like FL it's booming, so where you live can have great deal to do with the money you make.

At first salaries went way down, too many qualified people trying keep a job, and too few positions. Over time people moved to different jobs, most out of the industry, so the skilled people weren't around when things picked up, but...

Now that things have picked up in some areas they still don't want to pay much, the salary bar had been lowered quite a bit and hasn't rebounded much.

Companies don't want to get caught in the same position they were 10 years ago, and neither does the general public, so everybody is still hesitant to put out much money.

 

[jkust]

I needed some work done to my Mercruiser this past March in advance of the upcoming season and the local marina near my home in town was booked until August. I just scratched my head as to how that was even possible. Clearly a shortage of marine mechanics to have a 6 month wait.

 

[BRICH1260]

I would get the education or certification and go out on your own. Some of the most sought after mechanics around here are mobile mechanics that make house calls. Do it on the side at first and see how it takes off.

 

[hunter200524]

One thing you have to remember is alot of those guys that go on their own had to start somewhere. Most of them worked at a dealership for 10 years, got all their certifications and experience to boot. To become master certified through mercury you need to be certified for 4 years before taking the master certified test. I dont know what you mean by a technician for mercruiser. All their techs work for dealerships, and the ones that travel with racing teams, and fishing tournaments have been in the game for a long time, and usually work their way up through mercury.