Motorcycle Mechanics

SOC code 49-3052 · O*NET-SOC 49-3052.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Motorcycle Mechanics pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,580

a year

Hourly

$23.35

per hour

10th$34,770Median$48,58090th$74,400

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$52,370

$25.18 per hour

Middle 50%

$39,550 – $61,510

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$34,770 – $74,400

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

13,510

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $34,770; $16.72/hr
25th percentile: $39,550; $19.01/hr
Median percentile: $48,580; $23.35/hr
75th percentile: $61,510; $29.57/hr
90th percentile: $74,400; $35.77/hr

What does a motorcycle mechanic do?

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Mount, balance, change, or check condition or pressure of tires.
Replace defective parts, using hand tools, arbor presses, flexible power presses, or power tools.
Dismantle engines and repair or replace defective parts, such as magnetos, carburetors, or generators.
Connect test panels to engines and measure generator output, ignition timing, or other engine performance indicators.
Listen to engines, examine vehicle frames, or confer with customers to determine nature and extent of malfunction or damage.
Repair or replace other parts, such as headlights, horns, handlebar controls, gasoline or oil tanks, starters, or mufflers.
Disassemble subassembly units and examine condition, movement, or alignment of parts, visually or using gauges.
Repair or adjust motorcycle subassemblies, such as forks, transmissions, brakes, or drive chains, according to specifications.

How to become a motorcycle mechanic

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 60% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate60%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26%
Bachelor's Degree9%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%

Common questions

How much does a motorcycle mechanic earn?

The national median is $48,580 a year. The full range runs from $34,770 at the 10th percentile to $74,400 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a motorcycle mechanic without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.8/5
English Language3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Sales and Marketing2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring.