Boating makes an impact in New York Sate.
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New York ranks among the top five states in the nation for recreational boating, generating an annual economic impact of more than $10 billion. The state's extensive network of waterways, marinas, marine businesses, and boating destinations supports thousands of jobs and makes recreational boating a significant contributor to New York’s economy and tourism industry.
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Recreational boating generates more than $10 billion in annual economic impact across New York State, supporting 34,717 jobs and 2,341 marine-related businesses throughout the Empire State.
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The recreational boating industry generates more than $10 billion in annual economic impact across New York State, supporting 34,717 jobs and 2,341 local businesses that provide marine sales, service, storage, repair, and recreational boating opportunities throughout the Empire State.
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Boating supports over 34,717 jobs in New York State each year and continues to grow as a specialized trade in demand.
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95% of boats that are sold in the US are made in America and 95% of those registered boats are under 26-feet of towable length.
TOP MARINE INDUSTRY JOBS
Top Careers in the Marine Trades
CareerTypical Annual Earnings*Marina Manager$60,000–$140,000+
Service Manager$70,000–$110,000+
Master Marine Technician$60,000–$100,000+
Parts & Accessories Specialist$45,000–$70,000+
Marina & Yard Operations$38,000–$60,000+
Additional Career Opportunities
Sales & Marketing
Marina Operations
Marine Service & Maintenance
Parts & Accessories
Office & Administration
Customer Service
Finance & Insurance (F&I)
Dockmaster & Harbor Operations
*Compensation varies by region, employer, certifications, experience, and incentive pay. Ranges reflect current U.S. marine industry and labor market data. Sources include the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) 2025 Marine Retail Compensation Study and current industry salary benchmarks.
Apprenticeship
Maritime Technology Apprenticeship Program
Kingsborough Community College, part of the City University of New York system, offers a groundbreaking Maritime Technology Apprenticeship Program (MTAP), the first Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship for marine mechanics in the nation. An outgrowth of the college’s existing two-year maritime degree, this four-year apprenticeship offers students hands-on classroom and on-the-job training that prepares them for careers as service technicians aboard vessels or in shore-side settings. The program was developed in partnership with the Empire State Marine Trades Association (ESMTA), a New York State membership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the marine trades industry.
Following a traditional “learn and earn” apprenticeship model, students in the MTAP will participate in classroom training once per week and work with an approved business partner for the other four days under the guidance of a trained mentor. In total, students complete 8,000 hours of hands-on training in areas such as diesel and gasoline engine repair, electrical systems, welding, vessel systems, marina operations, and basic boat handling. Wages start at $18 per hour and gradually increase to $24 per hour as students enter the final year of the program.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in maritime technology, nationally recognized certifications, and, most importantly, they are guaranteed a job.
To view more information about the Marine Service Technician Apprentice Program, Click Here
To view FAQ’s on the Marine Service Technician Apprentice Program, Click Here
Eric Kreuter
Executive Director, MTAP Empire State Marine Trades Association 917-647-0191 or Eric.Kreuter@kbcc.cuny.edu