- Although some marine mechanics are trained as apprentices, the demands of modern diagnostic equipment and tools have made it necessary for prospective marine mechanics to earn technical degrees from accredited post-secondary schools. While in school, students are familiarized with every aspect of two- and four-stroke engines. This education not only involves the mechanical aspects of the engines, but the electrical, transmission and fluid systems as well. More and more, technical academies are focusing on the replacement and diagnosis of computer-related components as well.
- Marine mechanics find work along two parallel, but not mutually exclusive, paths. The first path involves working for or establishing a sole proprietorship. This is appealing to some as they are or can become their own bosses. The second, and more lucrative path, is finding employment with marine or boating dealerships. This option can be very rewarding, even for marine mechanics who are looking forward to opening their own shop in the future, as these dealerships tend to deal with tremendous amounts of customers.
- Though this profession is a specialized one, the pay scale for marine mechanics is substantially lower than other repair-oriented occupations. On average, the marine mechanics makes approximately $3 less than other mechanics. Only 10 percent of marine mechanics earn more than $20 an hour. According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, the "median wage-and-salary earnings of motorboat mechanics were $15.96 an hour in May 2006." This is in contrast to the lowest 10 percent of the field, where earnings are less than as $8 an hour.
- Marine mechanics work in a niche specialization that requires arduous training. You might think that such a field would pay well, especially in contrast to the ubiquitous nature of automotive repair. But the number of qualified candidates has driven down wages. Between 2006 and 2016, the field will be inundated with 4,600 new mechanics, a large enough number to keep wages down.
- The training a marine mechanic receives does not necessarily relegate her to marine engines and motors. A trained marine mechanic can find employment in a number of related fields concerned with the repair and installation of engines. The fields include automotive repair, diesel engine repair and maintenance, and even home appliance technicians. These alternate fields do often enjoy higher hourly wages.
