Motorcycle Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Also called: All Terrain Vehicle Technician (ATV Technician), Bike Builder, Bike Technician, Custom Bike Builder, Dirt Bike Mechanic, Frame Repairer
Median pay
$48,580
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,770 – $74,400
People employed
13,510
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Motorcycle Mechanics pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What motorcycle mechanics do
- 01Mount, balance, change, or check condition or pressure of tires.
- 02Replace defective parts, using hand tools, arbor presses, flexible power presses, or power tools.
- 03Dismantle engines and repair or replace defective parts, such as magnetos, carburetors, or generators.
- 04Connect test panels to engines and measure generator output, ignition timing, or other engine performance indicators.
- 05Listen to engines, examine vehicle frames, or confer with customers to determine nature and extent of malfunction or damage.
- 06Repair or replace other parts, such as headlights, horns, handlebar controls, gasoline or oil tanks, starters, or mufflers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from motorcycle mechanics
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers85% · +16%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door84% · +53%
- Avionics Technicians82% · +69%
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics81% · +33%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers81% · +11%
Change into motorcycle mechanics
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General79% · $49,590
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles77% · $48,420
- Automotive Engineering Technicians76% · $74,510
- Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers74% · $52,720
- Medical Equipment Repairers74% · $61,660
Majors that lead here
- Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.