CareerFacts

All careers › Motorcycle Mechanics

Motorcycle mechanic: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$48,580median pay per year, or $23.35 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $34,770lowest 10% earn less
  2. $39,55025th percentile
  3. $48,580median
  4. $61,51075th percentile
  5. $74,400top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Motorcycle mechanics had a median pay of $48,580 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+2.1%[2]
Openings per year
1,400[5]
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award[6]

How much do motorcycle mechanics make?

The median wage in May 2025 was $48,580 a year, or $23.35 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $52,370 a year, or $25.18 an hour[7]. The median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[4], so this job's median sits below it.

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][8] $34,770 $16.72
25th percentile[3][8] $39,550 $19.01
Median[1] $48,580 $23.35
75th percentile[3][8] $61,510 $29.57
90th percentile[3][8] $74,400 $35.77

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $34,770, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $74,400[3]. A percentile is a boundary in the pay ranking, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[9].

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses outside regular production pay or the cost of benefits[10]. About 13,510 people held these jobs in May 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

New Hampshire had the highest state median at $62,890, followed by Nevada at $60,450 and New Jersey at $59,430[12]. These three states have small job counts: 130, 110 and 260 jobs[12].

California had the most jobs, with 1,730 and a median of $57,040[13][12]. Texas followed with 1,170 jobs and a median of $53,330[13][12]. Florida (730), Wisconsin (550) and Ohio (520) came next in job counts[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA had the highest median at $64,070[14]. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($61,880) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA ($61,820) came next[14]. Los Angeles also had the most jobs of any metro area, at 580[15].

Show median pay in 45 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Hampshire[12]$62,890130
Nevada$60,450110
New Jersey$59,430260
Minnesota$58,280350
Oregon$58,040160
Maryland$57,640170
California$57,0401,730
Colorado$56,850420
New York$54,770270
Texas$53,3301,170
South Carolina$52,160220
Connecticut$51,970100
Washington$51,970300
Nebraska$50,17040
North Dakota$50,170110
Pennsylvania$50,050490
Virginia$49,400300
Vermont$48,97060
Massachusetts$48,940n/a
Florida$48,700730
North Carolina$48,670440
Maine$48,380100
Kentucky$48,220200
Wisconsin$48,190550
Arkansas$47,350180
Tennessee$47,300320
Montana$47,130140
New Mexico$46,61070
South Dakota$46,490200
Hawaii$46,39030
Mississippi$45,710160
Alaska$45,500220
Indiana$45,470430
Iowa$44,840300
Oklahoma$44,740240
Ohio$44,280520
Arizona$44,190240
Utah$43,820170
Idaho$43,470130
Georgia$43,050250
Alabama$42,670270
Illinois$41,630290
Michigan$40,100310
Wyoming$39,52070
West Virginia$37,450200

How to become a motorcycle mechanic

BLS lists the typical entry path for motorcycle mechanics as follows[6]:

The details below come from a BLS handbook profile that covers a wider group, small engine mechanics, not only motorcycle mechanics[18]. The profile says motorcycle mechanics typically complete postsecondary programs in motorcycle repair, and employers prefer them because they usually need less on-the-job training[19]. Without that schooling, motorcycle mechanics often need more on-the-job training than outdoor power equipment mechanics, because engines have become more complex[20]. Building competency can take as little as several months or as long as 3 years, depending on specialization and ability[16].

Manufacturer courses are often a prerequisite for warranty and brand-specific work[17]. Many motorcycle manufacturers offer certification for their own models. It is not required, but it can show competence and usually brings higher pay[21]. Motorcycle mechanics usually need a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement[22].

What motorcycle mechanics do

O*NET describes the work as diagnosing, adjusting, repairing or overhauling motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes and similar vehicles[23]. Typical tasks include[24]:

Workers report titles such as motorsports technician, scooter mechanic and custom bike builder[25]. The job also involves talking with customers about problems and repairs[26], and attention to small details[27].

Where they work

This section draws on the wider handbook profile for small engine mechanics[18]. Other motor vehicle dealers were the largest employer, at 27% of those mechanics in 2025[28]. In the Employment Projections data, 7.5% of motorcycle mechanics were self-employed in 2025[29].

The wider group generally works in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops, and some jobs involve onsite repair calls in poor weather[30].

Most small engine mechanics work full time, but seasonal workers often see their hours change[31]. Spring and summer are the busiest times, and some mechanics work a lot of overtime then. Some work only part time in winter[32]. Many employers try to even out the year by scheduling big jobs such as engine rebuilds in the off-season[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 14,200 jobs to 14,500[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[34]. These projection counts include self-employed workers, so they differ from the OEWS count above[2].

About 1,400 openings a year are projected on average from 2025 to 2035[5]. Openings include jobs left by workers who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 5% of workers leave the labor force and 4.6% move to a different occupation[35].

Is it a good fit?

The usual entry route is a postsecondary nondegree award with short-term on-the-job training and no related experience[6]. Pay is a little below the all-occupations median, with $48,580 against $50,980[1][4]. The range is wide, from under $34,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to over $74,400 for the highest-paid 10%[3]. Employment is projected to grow more slowly than the all-occupations rate[2][34]. The work is hands-on, calls for steady hands and close attention to detail[27][36], and hours can swing with the seasons[32].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a motorcycle mechanic make an hour?
The median wage for motorcycle mechanics was $23.35 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $25.18[1][7]. The 10th percentile was $16.72 and the 90th was $35.77[8].
What education do you need to be a motorcycle mechanic?
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award, no related work experience, and short-term on-the-job training[6].
How long does it take to become a motorcycle mechanic?
For the wider group of small engine mechanics, BLS says reaching competency may take from several months to 3 years, depending on specialization and ability[16][18].
Is motorcycle mechanic work in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 1,400 openings a year[2][34][5].
Which state pays motorcycle mechanics the most?
New Hampshire had the highest median at $62,890, followed by Nevada ($60,450) and New Jersey ($59,430)[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Motorcycle Mechanics in the US was $48,580 per year and $23.35 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Motorcycle Mechanics is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 14,200 to 14,500 jobs (a change of +300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Motorcycle Mechanics: 10th percentile $34,770, 25th percentile $39,550, 75th percentile $61,510, 90th percentile $74,400. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,400 openings for Motorcycle Mechanics are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Motorcycle Mechanics: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Motorcycle Mechanics was $52,370 per year and $25.18 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Motorcycle Mechanics: 10th percentile $16.72, 25th percentile $19.01, 75th percentile $29.57, 90th percentile $35.77. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 13,510 people were employed as Motorcycle Mechanics in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Motorcycle Mechanics in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Motorcycle Mechanics jobs: California 1,730; Texas 1,170; Florida 730; Wisconsin 550; Ohio 520. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Motorcycle Mechanics (areas with at least 100 jobs): Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $64,070; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $61,880; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $61,820; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $60,740; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $60,360; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $60,320; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $59,560; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $58,330. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Motorcycle Mechanics jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 580 (median $64,070); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 320 (median $61,880); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 250 (median $60,320); San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA 230 (median $61,820); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 210 (median $46,350); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 200 (median $42,770). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Small Engine Mechanics" covers Motorcycle Mechanics together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET description of Motorcycle Mechanics. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET task list for Motorcycle Mechanics. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET 49-3052.00 sample job titles reported by workers: All Terrain Vehicle Technician (ATV Technician), Custom Bike Builder, Motorcycle Mechanic, Motorcycle Service Technician, Motorcycle Technician, Motorsports Technician, Scooter Mechanic, Service Technician. O*NET OnLine
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of small engine mechanics in 2025: Other motor vehicle dealers 27%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. BLS Employment Projections: 7.5% of Motorcycle Mechanics were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Motorcycle Mechanics: 5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.