Motorcycle Mechanic : Training, Salary, & Career Information

Career Information

Motorcycle Mechanics: Career, Salary and Education Information

Motorcycles--and other vehicles with small engines--are complex pieces of equipment that require skilled maintenance technicians who are able to diagnose problems and make repairs quickly and efficiently. Motorcycle mechanic training provides you with a strong knowledge of small engines and equip you to service motorcycles and similarly motorized vehicles in a variety of manners, from single part replacements to complete engine overhauls.

Along with expertise in the operation of small engines, successful motorcycle mechanic careers require superior problem-solving skills and a strong interest in motor vehicles. Additionally, developing technology has led to the inclusion of sophisticated computer equipment in many repair shops, and you should be comfortable with using and familiarizing yourself with currently available technologies as they apply to your job.

A Day in the Life of a Motorcycle Mechanic

A substantial majority of motorcycle mechanic jobs are found in repair shops, either owned independently or as part of a motorcycle dealership. During the non-winter months in the United States, many motorcycle mechanics work a standard 40-hour workweek in the repair shop where they are employed. Work environments tend to be well-lit and well-ventilated, though they can occasionally be quite noisy. Depending on the organization of the repair shop, your job may also include direct interaction with clients.

When work is plentiful and repair shops are receiving a higher-than-average volume of service requests, working hours may be extended to compensate. However, since motorcycle use is often seasonal, workloads (and, consequently, hours) may be reduced during the cold winter season.

Many motorcycle mechanic training programs include training in other small engine operation, such as those found in motorboats or lawn equipment. This additional training means that a motorcycle mechanic career can be provide the flexibility to work on a variety of equipment types, which means more job opportunities and added value from an employer's perspective.

Motorcycle Mechanic Training and Education

Motorcycle mechanic careers can begin as early as high school in the form of part-time trainee positions or summer jobs in repair shops. Most employers prefer to hire applicants with high school diplomas, and courses in business math and small engine repair on your high school transcript can be very beneficial in the job search. Up to three years of hands-on, on-the-job training is necessary in order to gain proficiency in all aspects of small engine repair and maintenance.

Training from postsecondary motorcycle and motorboat repair programs can provide applicants with a competitive edge in the job market, as they have advanced knowledge of engine repair and require much less extra training. Individuals who have completed these kinds of motorcycle mechanic training programs may also be better poised to advance into managerial roles in their repair shops.

Additional training can be obtained from courses and workshops that are offered by manufacturers and distributors of small engine motor vehicles, and employers often send employees and trainees to these to stay up-to-date with the products they frequently repair.

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Motorcycle Mechanic Jobs: Employment Outlook

Employment is expected to grow by about 9 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this expected growth is about as fast as the average across all occupations, job opportunities are predicted to be excellent--especially for those who complete formal small engine repair programs. Increased numbers of registered motorcycles and increasingly sophisticated motorcycles are expected to drive the demand for trained motorcycle mechanics.

Salary Information for Motorcycle Mechanic Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the motorcycle mechanic salary for those employed by motor vehicle dealers was $33,810 in May of 2009. Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers paid the most, with an annual mean wage of $49,190, but relative employment was quite low (only 70 in 2009).

The central and western U.S. states of Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, and Montana all appeared in the top five states as ranked by employment concentration, but California employed the highest number of motorcycle mechanics (more than 10 percent of the national total).