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Transportation career guide

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)

The U.S. has 98,270 automotive and watercraft service attendants, and they earn a median of $34,850/year. The range runs from $28K to $45K. Hawaii pays the most.

$35K
Median salary
Varies
Education required
N/A
10-year growth
98,270
U.S. employment

What it takes

The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.

Entry-level automotive and watercraft service attendants start around $28K. The gap between that and the median ($35K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.

Top earners clear $45K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.

Salary progression

Entry level (0-2 years)
$28K
Early career (2-5 years)
$31K
Mid-career (5-10 years)
$35K
Experienced (10+ years)
$38K
Top earners
$45K

Highest paying states

StateMedian salaryEmployment
Hawaii$43K240
Rhode Island$42K140
California$40K9,470
Missouri$39K620
Washington$39K2,620
Connecticut$38K580
New Hampshire$38K270
Vermont$38K280
Alaska$38K400
Montana$38K580
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a automotive and watercraft service attendants make?

The median automotive and watercraft service attendants salary in the United States is $34,850 per year ($17/hour). Entry-level positions start around $27,870, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,240.

What education do you need to become a automotive and watercraft service attendants?

The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.

What is the job outlook for automotive and watercraft service attendants?

Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for automotive and watercraft service attendants.

What are the highest paying states for automotive and watercraft service attendants?

The highest paying states for automotive and watercraft service attendants are Hawaii ($42,680), Rhode Island ($41,600), California ($39,580), Missouri ($39,110), Washington ($39,020). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.