Job Description of a Motorcycle Technician

Basics

Motorcycle technicians listen to what a customer identifies as an issue, such as a knocking sound or shimmying bike, then make a diagnosis. Often, they have to use equipment designed to assist them in this process, giving them a more accurate reading than they might be able to make on their own. Other times, they will start or even test drive a motorcycle before inspecting it themselves, simply to get a "feel" for what the issue may be. Once they make a determination, they get to work, often with the assistance of another mechanic.

On top of understanding the ins and outs of engines and other systems used to operate a motorcycle, a technician must know which tools are needed for each repair. He or she must be highly organized and analytical, and possess the strength and stamina required for routine and sometimes not-so-routine maintenance. Technicians also must be strong communicators, considering they often not only need to identify a repair, but relay their findings to customers and then provide customers with the cost of the repair. Motorcycle technicians should also be able to follow directions and work well alone or as a member of a team.

Motorcycle technicians typically have an interest in bikes, and bike repair, before ever being hired for their first job. Some attend vocational or technical college, receiving an associate's degree or certificate. Many need only a high school diploma or the equivalent, while others start working on motorcycles before they even finish high school. In most instances, a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic and passion for motorcycle repair are as important as a formal education.

Jobs for motorcycle technicians are expected to grow by 9 percent during the 2008-2018 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That is about as fast as the average for all occupations during the same span. Nearly 19,000 workers were employed as motorcycle mechanics in May 2008, the BLS reports.

According to the BLS, motorcycle mechanics earned a median hourly wage of $15.08 an hour in May 2008. Meanwhile, PayScale.com reports that some motorcycle technicians earned more than $40,000 per year in March 2010.