To provide an operating device that can accurately detect a rotation angle of an operation grip, and also can excellently and smoothly control a motor of an outboard motor.

An operating device 1 includes: an operation grip G formed at the end of a steering wheel rockable in a vertical direction centering on a rocking shaft L1 and installed in an outboard motor K, and being rotatively operable while being held by a driver; a detection sensor for contactlessly detecting a rotation angle of the operation grip G and generating a detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle; and a wiring T for transmitting the detection signal obtained by the detection sensor to control the driving speed of outboard motor K. The detection sensor is disposed to the operation grip G side from the rocking shaft L1 of the steering wheel, and is connected with the wiring T that extends to the outboard motor K side.