Motorcycle Mechanics
SOC 49-3052
Motorcycle Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Wages and Benefits
| Hourly Wages | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New Hires, No Experience | $6.75 - $14.00 | $10.59 |
| New Hires, with Experience | $6.75 - $18.03 | $15.28 |
| After Three Years with the Firm | $13.00 - $25.00 | $18.58 |
Average Weekly Hours:
Most (68%) Motorcycle Mechanics work full time, 40 hours per week. During the winter months mechanics may work fewer than 40 hours a week, because the amount of repair and service work declines when motorcycles are not in use. Many mechanics work only during the busy spring and summer seasons and may work considerably more than 40 hours a week when demand is strong.
Shifts:
Most Motorcycle Mechanics work a regular day shift; some work evenings and weekends.
Percent of Employers Offering Fringe Benefits:
| Full-Time Employees | ||
| Benefit Offered | % of Employers | |
| Medical Insurance: | Yes* | 63% |
| Dental Insurance: | Yes | 19% |
| Vision Insurance: | Yes | 6% |
| Life Insurance: | Yes | 6% |
| Disability: | Yes | 13% |
| Paid Sick Leave: | Yes | 44% |
| Paid Vacation: | Yes | 63% |
| Retirement Plan: | Yes | 13% |
| Child Care: | No | 0% |
*30% of employers cover 100% of medical insurance premiums;
10% of employers cover 50-99% of medical insurance premiums; and
60% of employers cover 1-49% of medical insurance premiums.
Other Employer Specified:
Bonuses for Jobs Completed, Paid Tools, and Special Events Tickets.
EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Most (63%) firms require a high school diploma. Some (32%) accept less than a high school diploma.
Training:
Most (63%) firms require 1 year technical or vocational education in motorcycle repair. Many (50%) allow training to substitute for experience. Employers prefer applicants with word processing and database skills.
Experience:
Almost all (81%) firms prefer applicants with 1 year prior experience as a Motorcycle Mechanic. Most (73%) accept prior experience in related occupations, such as Auto Mechanic, Small Water Craft Mechanic, or Auto Service Technician.
Skills rated "Very Important":
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to determine causes of operating errors
Ability to work independently
Ability to keep up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job
Ability to control operation of equipment
Ability to read and follow directions
Possession of good manual dexterity
Ability to perform physical activities
Ability to repair machines or systems
Possession of good oral communication skills
Possession of good customer service skills
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Supply and Demand:
Job market for Motorcycle Mechanics:
Employers report it "Very Difficult" finding qualified, Experienced applicants, resulting in little-to-no competition for job seekers in their job search; and "Moderately Difficult" finding qualified, Inexperienced applicants, resulting in some competition for job seekers in their job search.
Recruitment Methods, Most Frequently Used:
Word of Mouth, Employee Referrals, Newspapers.
Turnover:
Moderately high: 23% in the past 12 months.
Size of 2006 Local Employment:
Small - less than 2,027.
Gender Representation:
Local employer response indicates 7% female, 93% male.
Older Worker Retirement:
Some (25%) firms report that older worker retirements over the next 10 years will affect their workforce.
To address the effects of older worker retirements, employers of this occupation would: Do nothing, 75%; groom or train a replacement ahead of time, 25%.
Some (25%) firms report that older workers would face employment obstacles in this occupation: physical abilities and dexterity, staying current with new technologies.
Where the Jobs Are:
Custom Motorcycle Building Shops
Motorcycle Dealerships
Motorcycle Repair Shops
Employers' Employment Outlook:
16 employers responded, providing data representing 81 employees for this occupation.
10 employers project employment to grow, 5 expect it to remain stable, and 1 expects it to decline over the next twelve months.
Annual Job Growth Projections for San Diego County:
| Average annual new jobs: | 4 |
| Average annual replacement jobs: | 4 |
| Average annual total openings: | 8 |
New Job Growth Rate 2002 to 2012:
26.7% projected growth is faster than the countywide average of 19.5%.
OTHER INFORMATION
Career Ladder/Promotional Opportunities:
Promote from: Counter Parts Person, Lot Technician, Set-Up Technician, and Motorcycle Detailer.
Promote to: Lead Mechanic and Master Mechanic.
Ex-Offender Employment:
Most (60%) responding employers would consider hiring an ex-offender. Of those: 100% would disqualify an ex-offender for drug-related offenses; 11%, sex offenses; 89%, fraud/forgery; 100%, theft; 11%, homicide; and 11%, assault/battery.
Alternate Job Titles:
Master Motorcycle Mechanic and Motorcycle Technician.
Related Codes:
MOC - Not available.
Data Collection Date:
Fall 2005