Online Motorcycle Mechanic Degrees
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Motorcycle mechanics are skilled in repairing, rebuilding, and understanding motorcycles and their intricate engineering systems. Many motorcycle mechanics are also experienced in working with cars and trucks, and this additional experience allows mechanics to expand their services into general automotive shops. These specialized mechanics often obtain degrees in automotive or motorcycle mechanics and engineering, and the degrees are not normally found past the bachelor's level. Many automotive and technical institutions provide advanced education for prospective motorcycle mechanics through their specific programs, and these institutes often offer careers within their own or affiliated businesses upon graduating. Motorcycle mechanics make between $9.76 and $24.27 hourly, depending on the employer and the experience of the mechanic.
Motorcycle mechanics are specialized in working with multiple types of motorcycles, but their skills are not exclusive to one motorcycle style or to motorcycles in general. Many mechanics can choose to work in design or building motorcycles rather than just repair, though these careers do require more extensive experience prior to training.
The primary skill of a motorcycle mechanic is to repair various kinds of motorcycles, and the ability to understand the structure of the motorcycles and adapt to new developments in their designs is critical for a mechanic. Mechanics should also be able to effectively communicate the status of the motorcycle to its owner and manage their requests in efficient, personable ways. The education for a motorcycle mechanic is often limited to the training they receive from their auto shop, but there have been increases in availability for degrees and certifications in mechanics specializing in small engines.
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Career Specializations
Professional motorcycle mechanics generally work on a select few models or brands of motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, or scooters due to the fact that they are often employed a particular dealer who sells a particular range of products. They may also choose to specialize in vintage motorcycles versus new motorcycles.
Degree Levels
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 3 to 4 years to complete
- Training Certification: 2 to 4 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
There are not degrees available at every level for motorcycle mechanics, though there are degrees in automotive mechanics available through the bachelor's level. The most common degree for a motorcycle mechanic is an associate degree, but training, vocational, and technical programs are found through high schools, community colleges, technical colleges and specified mechanical institutions.
Technical programs specializing in mechanics are common and can often be applied for during high school. These technical programs are comprehensive sequences of examinations, tutorials, and apprenticeships under experienced mechanics. Not all of these programs are available for focus on motorcycles and other small engines, but since most are general automotive mechanic studies, they do offer courses or training sessions on small engines like motorcycles, motor boats, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), and other small motorized engines.
Associate degrees in motorcycle mechanics or automotive mechanics are more common than bachelor's degrees, though both forms of degree are not normally offered through traditional four-year university programs. The associate degree takes two years to complete, and when a bachelor's degree is offered, it takes three to four years to complete, depending on the amount of engineering desired for the degree. Associate degrees, while in short supply, are favorable to employers since they provide well-rounded training experience to employees rather than isolated training in one type of mechanics. Master's and doctoral degrees in motorcycle mechanics are not offered.
The education offered by mechanical institutions is one of the more advantageous options for motorcycle mechanics, since it is at once a general education in mechanics as well as a focused training on small engines. These programs usually last two to four years, but most do guarantee jobs within the field upon graduation. The advantages to a program in a professional mechanics institution include small classes taught by professional, certified mechanics, courses in the repair and structure of multiple engines, as well as opportunities for official certification during or after the program as an independent mechanic.
Manufacturing and mechanical certifications are required by most employers, but these certifications depend on the company providing the specific goods the employee needs to be trained on. Most hiring shops cover the costs of these certifications and notify the employees if the certification needs to be completed. (BLS)
Salary Information
Earnings for motorcycle mechanics depend on their experience and their place of employment. Higher education does tend to increase salaries, but many automotive shops qualify overall experience and skill over education. Professionally trained motorcycle mechanics earn higher wages than introductory mechanics with little training, and the opportunities for advancement do increase substantially for motorcycle mechanics who have worked in a previous automotive shop. The lowest earning percentage of motorcycle mechanic earnings is normally those with minimal training, and they earn less than $9.76 per hour. Small engine mechanics in smaller shops do earn less statistically than those who work in larger shops or mechanical institutes.
Trained motorcycle mechanics earn a higher hourly salary of more than $24.47, and the median wage between the two is $15.13 per hour. Motorboat mechanics make slightly more than motorcycle mechanics hourly, and outdoor power equipment operators earn less than both occupations. General automotive technicians earn between $12.44 and $22.64 an hour; while this general occupation earns less, motorcycle mechanics who can perform in both fields generally have more experience and have greater opportunities for general management within their shops. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The expected growth for motorcycle and other small engine mechanics is projected to be average between 2008 and 2018. Employees who have formal training from institutions, especially mechanical ones, have excellent prospects for being hired within shops. Seasons also affect employment, since small engines like motorcycles, boats, ATVs and power equipment are often used between the end of spring and the middle of autumn.
Motorcycle mechanics are expected to grow in employment in response to the increase in registered motorcycles. As motorcycle technology continues to advance, mechanics with a ready ability to learn and prepare for these advances are in higher demand than those who are trained in older, obsolete motorcycle systems. Formal education and training programs substantially increase the demand for motorcycle mechanics, since they will have been trained in these newer motorcycle systems. (BLS)
Related Careers
Auto body and collision repair is a similar field that allows employees to focus specifically on the repair of automotives while working on understanding new features that prevent future collisions. There are certification programs for auto body collision repair and refinishing, and these programs instruct employees on the detailing, structural repairs, and mechanical reconstructions required to safely repair a vehicle. (BLS)
A diesel mechanic works on repairing and maintaining larger vehicles that run on diesel engines, like buses, tractors, commercial and private built trucks, and other industrial vehicles like garbage trucks and road sanders. Certification is also available for diesel mechanics, and the average earnings for a diesel mechanic depend on the weekly work completed but are generally between $12.50 and $28.41 an hour. (BLS)
