Also called: Pilot Launch Operator, Launch Boat Captain
Drives the fast boats that carry harbor pilots out to huge ships, in any weather, day or night.
A pilot boat operator pulls alongside a moving container ship in rough seas so the pilot can climb a rope ladder up the side. Precise boat handling keeps everyone safe.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Coast Guard captain's license; years of small-boat experience.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Maritime Studies.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 53-5022: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Low risk for 10 years. Pulling alongside a moving ship in rough seas, at night, is precise boat handling that stays human.
Classes: Physics, Earth science, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5022.
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