Motorbike Mechanic Training and Jobs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Part-Time 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.
Career Videos
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
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $36,000 | 140 | +78% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $33,000 | 40 | +356% |
| Fort Smith | $27,000 | 40 | +676% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $43,000 | 390 | +115% |
| Oxnard | $51,000 | 60 | +361% |
| Riverside | $37,000 | 100 | +86% |
| Sacramento | $38,000 | 140 | +262% |
| San Jose | $48,000 | 40 | 0% |
| Santa Ana | $43,000 | 230 | +254% |
| Stockton | $37,000 | 60 | +562% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $43,000 | 100 | +79% |
| Grand Junction | $34,000 | 40 | +1680% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven | $44,000 | 40 | +236% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $46,000 | 70 | -36% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $40,000 | 30 | +260% |
| Deltona | $36,000 | 90 | +1278% |
| Orlando | $37,000 | 90 | +98% |
| Palm Bay | $37,000 | 30 | +253% |
| Pensacola | $30,000 | 40 | +533% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $28,000 | 180 | +74% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $36,000 | 200 | +19% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $34,000 | 60 | +314% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | $35,000 | 30 | +83% |
| Shreveport | $40,000 | 40 | +419% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $33,000 | 120 | +50% |
| St Cloud | $35,000 | 40 | +911% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 50 | +10% | |
| Springfield | $25,000 | 70 | +751% |
| St Louis | $31,000 | 120 | +101% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $32,000 | 50 | +140% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $32,000 | 30 | +387% |
| Newark | $30,000 | 30 | -33% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $32,000 | 50 | +194% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $34,000 | 30 | +50% |
| Buffalo | $29,000 | 80 | +225% |
| New York | $46,000 | 180 | -23% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $33,000 | 40 | +426% |
| Greensboro | $40,000 | 40 | +155% |
| Raleigh | $38,000 | 40 | +74% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | $30,000 | 110 | +143% |
| Columbus | $36,000 | 70 | +70% |
| Youngstown | $34,000 | 60 | +509% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | $35,000 | 30 | +372% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona | $32,000 | 40 | +1555% |
| Harrisburg | $32,000 | 40 | +184% |
| Philadelphia | $37,000 | 110 | +29% |
| Pittsburgh | $30,000 | 180 | +251% |
| Scranton | $32,000 | 40 | +250% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $34,000 | 30 | +1077% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $33,000 | 40 | +46% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | $40,000 | 110 | +17% |
| Houston | $34,000 | 720 | +510% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden | $42,000 | 60 | +597% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester | $31,000 | 30 | +1447% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $34,000 | 60 | +62% |