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Motorbike Mechanics Job Overview

Motorbike mechanics repair and renovate motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, mopeds and all-terrain vehicles. They are responsible for repairing engines, ignition systems, brakes and other body parts. Since motorbike mechanics mostly work for dealers who service only their own products, they are primarily involved in servicing limited makes and designs of motorbikes. When a motorbike breaks down, the mechanics use various techniques to diagnose the source and extent of the problem and make repairs accordingly.

Motorbike Mechanics Schools and Degrees

A variety of training programs for motorbike mechanics are offered by professional and technical schools and two-year colleges. Most of these programs take 2 years to complete and offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. The two-year programs generally lead to an associate’s degree. One can also choose from several other shorter certificate programs. It is also important to keep up with the latest advancements in technology in order to become a successful motorbike mechanic.

Job Requirements

While recruiting trainee motorbike mechanics, employers generally prefer candidates who have graduated from a professional motorbike mechanic training program. It is also essential for applicants to have mechanical aptitude an knowledge of small 2- and 4-stroke engines. To prepare for a career as a motorbike mechanic, one should take for courses in science, automobile mechanics, small engine repair and business math at the high school level. Knowledge of basic electronics is also vital in order to become a successful motorbike mechanic.

Nature of Work

The primary jobs of motorbike mechanics are testing the motor for mechanical or electrical problems, servicing and making repairs and replacing ignition points, gears and spark plugs. They should be able to take apart and then reassemble the equipment and perform engine overhauls. In certain high profile jobs, a motorbike mechanic may also need to perform advanced computer diagnostics.

Motorbike mechanics usually work in well lit and well ventilated repair shops. However, the environment is often noisy. Also, due to the nature of their jobs, they may have to work in cramped or awkward positions. Motorbike mechanics usually work a standard 40-hour week.

Motorbike Mechanics Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, motorbike mechanics held about 21,000 jobs in the US. The employment figures are expected to increase by 12% in the next ten years. The following industries offer the highest levels of employment to motorbike mechanics:

• Automotive Repair and Maintenance
• Automobile Dealers
• Motor Vehicle Dealers
• Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

The mean hourly wage for motorbike mechanics in the US is about $15.49, while the mean annual wages are around $32,210.

Job Numbers and Growth

How many motorbike mechanics are there? About 21,000 in all. Workers can most likely expect a high rate of unemployment. Note that 7% of employees were without work in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Punta Gorda (Florida), Winchester (Virginia), and Deltona (Florida) boast the most motorbike mechanics for their size population. Oakland (California), Warren (Michigan), and New York (New York) have the fewest.

The highest salaries for workers are in and around Oakland (California), Riverside (California), and Warren (Michigan). The lowest-paying areas are Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), Omaha (Nebraska), and Charleston (West Virginia).

Training and Education

Expect to get long-term on-the-job training for this occupation. The share of motorbike mechanics with a bachelor's degree or higher is 5%. About 32% of workers got additional education after high school, but did not have to get a college degree. There was no need to go beyond high school for 64% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

It is estimated that 11% of motorbike mechanics work less than full time. Self-employment is the choice of 22% of workers.

Motorbike Mechanics by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Illinois

Iowa

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

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Missouri

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Nevada

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New Jersey

New York

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Ohio

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Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

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Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin