jobs in marine mechanic

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Marine Mechanic Schools, Salaries, and Job Data

Marine Mechanics Job Overview Marine mechanics repair the mechanical and electrical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines. Most of these repairs are carried out at docks and marinas. The mechanics may also work on marine plumbing, propellers, steering mechanisms and other boat equipment. Some of the repairs may be simple like just replacing a spark plug, while some may entail taking the engine apart and repairing it completely. Marine Mechanics Schools and Degrees Programs for marine mechanics are offered by several professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. Most programs offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Two-year programs usually lead to an associate’s degree. One can also opt for shorter certificate programs. Job Requirements While hiring trainee mechanics, employers usually prefer graduates from professional training programs with mechanical aptitude and knowledge of small 2 and 4 stroke engines. Background knowledge of basic electronics is vital. High school courses in small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science and business math are all helpful. Employers also send marine mechanics to conferences and special courses organized by motorboat manufacturers and distributors. Due to the increasing complexity and advancement in the field of motorboat mechanics, it is extremely important to be up-to-date with the latest techniques. Even though majority of the employers prefer candidates with degrees in motorboat mechanics, there are those who recruit less educated applicants possessing the adequate writing, reading and arithmetic skills. It is essential for a marine mechanic to have good technical skills. Hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills are also important in this profession. Due to the physical nature of the job, it is also necessary for marine mechanics to be in good physical condition. Nature of Work The various duties performed by a marine mechanic include checking the motor for mechanical, fuel or electrical problems, referring to service manuals for details on servicing, making repairs, replacing parts such as gears, piston rings and spark plugs and writing test reports to highlight the condition of the engine. Marine mechanics usually work at repair shops that are well lighted and ventilated. However, surroundings can be a bit noisy. They often have to work outdoors while repairing small boats or larger crafts. Most marine mechanics work 40 hours a week, though they may sometimes have to work longer hours and on weekends. About 20 percent of marine mechanics are self-employed. Marine Mechanics Jobs and Outlook According to research in 2006, marine mechanics held about 23,000 jobs in the U.S. Employment in this sector is expected to rise by 19% in the next ten years. It is the highest in the following industries: Amusement and Recreation Industries equipment Rental, Ship and Boat Building Companies Marinas, Boatyards, and Independent Repair Shops Motor Vehicle Dealers Support Activities for Water Transportation The mean hourly wage for marine mechanics in the US is about $17.06, while mean annual wages are around $35,490. Job Numbers and Growth About 24,000 marine mechanics are employed nationally. Workers can expect a high level of unemployment, if history can be used as a guide. In 2008, 7% of employees could not find jobs. Area Job Conditions Popular locations for marine mechanics include Sandusky (Ohio), Barnstable (Massachusetts), and Ocean City (New Jersey). Fewer are found in Phoenix (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Chicago (Illinois). Workers looking for high salaries should look at Chicago (Illinois), San Francisco (California), and Nassau (New York), and should avoid Athens (Georgia), Cincinnati (Ohio), and Green Bay (Wisconsin). Training and Education Employees often obtain long-term on-the-job training before starting. The percentage of marine mechanics with college degrees is 5%. Workers with some college (less than a bachelor's degree) represent about 32% of the total. Some employees, about 64%, had a high-school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career. Part-Time Work and Self-Employment Part-time marine mechanics are 11% of all surveyed. Some workers, about 23%, work for themselves. Career Video for Marine Mechanics Marine Mechanics by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings) In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation. Alabama City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Mobile $30,000 80 +572% Arizona City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Flagstaff $36,000 40 +1124% Phoenix $37,000 130 +3% California City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Oakland $44,000 120 +72% San Diego $36,000 110 +21% San Francisco $49,000 100 +48% Connecticut City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Bridgeport $42,000 100 +241% New Haven $47,000 100 +440% Norwich $46,000 70 +786% Florida City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Cape Coral $43,000 170 +1141% Fort Lauderdale $40,000 680 +1273% Fort Walton Beach $32,000 50 +979% Jacksonville $32,000 110 +171% Palm Bay $39,000 50 +291% Panama City $37,000 40 +857% Tampa $44,000 330 +300% West Palm Beach $40,000 80 +121% Georgia City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Athens $26,000 40 +771% Gainesville $43,000 60 +1307% Hawaii City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Honolulu $34,000 40 +37% Illinois City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Chicago $48,000 130 -50% Indiana City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Gary $31,000 110 +496% Maine City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Portland $34,000 90 +580% Maryland City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Baltimore $42,000 470 +431% Massachusetts City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Barnstable Town $44,000 320 +4993% Boston $45,000 310 +165% New Bedford $41,000 110 +2719% Michigan City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Flint 40 +357% Minnesota City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Minneapolis $33,000 330 +171% St Cloud $36,000 50 +681% Mississippi City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Pascagoula $30,000 30 +993% Missouri City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Springfield $37,000 50 +293% Nevada City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Las Vegas $41,000 50 -20% New Jersey City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Atlantic City $43,000 40 +321% Edison $34,000 190 +172% Ocean City $37,000 120 +4927% New York City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Nassau $46,000 480 +464% Rochester $35,000 160 +376% North Carolina City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Wilmington $37,000 130 +1303% Ohio City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Cincinnati $28,000 80 +14% Sandusky $28,000 120 +5928% Toledo $33,000 150 +623% Oregon City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Portland $41,000 130 +85% Rhode Island City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Providence $38,000 140 +267% Tennessee City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Chattanooga $34,000 40 +161% Texas City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Austin $38,000 80 +55% Virginia City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Virginia Beach $41,000 110 +116% Washington City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Bellingham $44,000 40 +720% Mount Vernon $40,000 80 +2993% Seattle $42,000 360 +269% Tacoma $37,000 110 +518% Wisconsin City and Area Median Salary Employees Job Density Green Bay $25,000 30 +178% Madison $36,000 60 +171% Milwaukee $32,000 80 +39% Salary and employment data obtained from the United States Department of Labor. Individual salaries depend on location, education and career background. Thanks to CityTownInfo.com for this marine mechanic schools and jobs info.