Explore Careers
Quartermasters and Boat Operators
Explore Careers
Quartermasters and Boat Operators
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsService Branches with this Role
What do Quartermasters and Boat Operators do in the Military?
Where do Quartermasters and Boat Operators work?
Quartermasters and boat operators work aboard all types of boats and in all types of weather conditions. When not piloting boats, they may work on or below deck repairing boats and equipment or overseeing cargo storage. When ashore, they may work in offices that make nautical maps or in harbor management offices. Some boats are operated in combat situations.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$84,430
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$24,713 - $331,665
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
What training do Quartermasters and Boat Operators gain in the Military?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Quartermasters and boat operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training topics relate to boat operations, and may include:
- Boat handling techniques
- Log and message-handling procedures
- Use of compasses, radar, charts, and other navigational aids
- Navigational mathematics
- Standing-watch procedures
- Ship structure
- Log and message-handling procedures
Military Training for Enlisted Service members
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
What skills help Quartermasters and Boat Operators succeed?
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and read maps
- Ability to work with mathematical formulas
- Interest in sailing and navigation
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Motorboat Operators
- Captains, Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Sailors and Marine Oilers
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts and Blasters
- Ship Engineers
- Fishing and Hunting Workers
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects