Motorcycle Mechanic

Motorcycles aren’t just a mode of transportation, they’re a way of life. Owners feel the same way about their bikes as they do about their pets; these machines are their babies, their passion. When something goes wrong, motorcycle owners demand the best care. You, the motorcycle mechanic have been training all your life for the most difficult motorcycle issue — or at least have been wanting to go into the field for that long. So, how exactly do you get from motorcycle student to motorcycle repair master?

Read on to explore the education and career of a motorcycle mechanic.

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Education Requirements In Motorcycle Repair

Becoming a motorcycle mechanic is a specialty career, and one that can bring you a lot of success.

To become an in-demand motorcycle mechanic, you must complete a couple of steps. You can even start your training in high school through vocational education or taking auto shop courses, if they are offered.

• Get your high school diploma or GED.
• You’ll need your driver’s license to have a motorcycle driving endorsement, which you can get through your DMV or DoT.
• Get accepted into a mechanic school where you’ll focus on small engine mechanics or motorcycles directly. OR, you may be able to work directly under another motorcycle mechanic who will train you.
• Your education, whether it’s through a trade program or apprenticeship, will take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
• Remember, the longer the training, the more proficient you’ll become.
• Certifications are not required, yet they are highly recommended and appreciated by employers.

Your Motorcycle Mechanic Career

So, what exactly do motorcycle mechanics do, anyway? Is it all that different from working as a regular car mechanic? Well, the answer is yes. And no.

As a motorcycle mechanic, you will:

• Diagnose, adjust, repair, and/or overhaul motorcycles, dirt bikes, mopeds, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles.
• Be able to diagnose issues and perform all types of adjustments and repairs.
• Use your magic to return the motorcycle to its owner in better condition than when it was brought in.
• Make sure to keep detailed records of every customer’s repairs. This is to both to protect your butt and to keep track of the work you’ve done.

Typically, you’ll work for dealerships or specialized repair shops.

Salary For Motorcycle Mechanics

Exact salaries are more difficult to determine because there are so many factors involved. What state you live in, how much experience you have, where you work — all these weigh into your paycheck. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average pay for motorcycle mechanics in 2023 was $45,180. The top 10 precent earned $60,900 or more.

As a whole, the career is predict to grow at an average pace. It's estimated that by 2032, about 9,000 new positions will open for motorcycle mechanics each year. If you live in a state that boasts all four seasons, your busiest time will be in the spring and summer. 

Working as a motorcycle mechanic will allow you to combine your love for motorcycles with your passion for keeping them up and running. More importantly, when you have a job doing what you love, it will never feel like work!

Reference & more reading

What a Motorcycle Mechanic Does

Mechanics Careers - Find Out About Options, Education & Jobs

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