Motorcycle
Motorcycle Mechanic Career Overview
Motorcycle and Small Engine Mechanics maintain and repair the small engines that power motorcycles, motorboats and outdoor power tools, as well as other vehicles such as snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. Many Small Engine Mechanics may work on other systems and components in addition to engines, including brakes, transmissions, electrical systems and ignition systems.
Motorcycle and Small Engine Mechanics must have good manual dexterity, and good physical strength may also be required for people who work with larger vehicles such as motorcycles and motorboats. They should also have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and be able to work to standards of high accuracy, particularly when carrying out the routine maintenance that keeps small engines operating at peak efficiency.
Motorcycle Mechanic Training & Education
Small Engine Mechanics of all types can acquire much of their training and knowledge on the job by starting work in an apprentice capacity. However, the majority of employers require their workers to have some form of formal training even for entry-level positions.
The majority of certification programs run for six months to two years, and are typically found in community colleges or trade schools. Employers often send their workers and apprentice workers to training courses that last for one to two weeks, at which they can gain new diagnosis and repair skills for working with particular types and models of small engine.
Motorcycle Mechanic Career & Salary
According to the US Department of Labor, Motorcycle and Small Engine Mechanic careers will grow at an average rate through to the year 2014. In all cases, the best career opportunities will be for people with advanced qualifications and extensive experience in their chosen specialty.
Salaries for Motorcycle Mechanic careers vary slightly depending on the chosen specialty, but in general any type of Small Engine Mechanic can expect to earn between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. The average salary for a Motorcycle Mechanic is approximately $27,000, for Motor Boat Technicians approximately $34,000 and for Outdoor Power Tool and Small Engine Mechanics approximately $28,000.
Career Fields/Specializations
Motorboat Machine Technician Career
Motorboat Technicians repair and maintain the electrical and mechanical systems that operate watercraft, using different techniques to diagnose and repair the problems that occur when these systems break down. Routine maintenance is often a major part of the job for Motorboat Technicians, as watercraft require regular maintenance even if repair work is not needed.
The Motorboat Technician maintains and repairs watercraft of many different types, from jetskis to commercial fishing boats. They draw on a wide variety of skills and knowledge types, including two and four stroke watercraft engines, plumbing systems, ignition systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, hull design, and propeller design.
Motorboat Technicians should have good manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of basic electronics as well as mechanical watercraft systems. They must have an excellent aptitude for mechanical work, as well as good physical strength, and be able to work to a high standard of accuracy.
Outdoor Power Tool Mechanic Career
Outdoor Power Tool Mechanics work with outdoor power tools such as edge trimmers, garden tractors, lawnmowers, chainsaws and other equipment. They are involved both in maintenance and repair of such equipment, with routine maintenance often being a large part of the job.
Outdoor Power Tool Mechanics are typically not limited to working solely with engines. They must have a broad knowledge of all the different systems that operate a wide variety of outdoor power tools, including electrical systems, brakes and plugs, fuel injection systems and other components and systems.
Outdoor Power Tool Mechanics should have good manual dexterity, problem-solving and analytical skills, a good eye for detail, and be able to work accurately in maintenance and repair of outdoor power tools, as well as diagnosis of problems and faults in equipment.
Motorcycle Technician Career
Motorcycle Technicians specialize in working with motorcycle engines and mechanical systems, and may also work with other small vehicles such as sports bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. They most often work specifically with engines in diagnosis and fixing engine break downs, but may also work on other systems such as brakes, transmission and ignition, or work on minor body repairs.
The Motorcycle Technician may work in an independent repair shop, but many work in dealerships that service particular types of motorcycles, and may become very specialized in working with particular makes and models. Motorcycle Technicians typically spent a large amount of type working on maintenance tasks that improve engine performance and keep them running smoothly.
Motorcycle Technicians should have good manual dexterity and physical strength, and be able to diagnose and treat engine problems accurately. They should have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and a high aptitude for mechanical work.
