Motorcycle Mechanic Salary

Also known as small engine mechanic, motorcycle mechanics specialize in fixing and performing maintenance work on two-wheel vehicles like motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and dirt bikes. They often diagnose issues with mechanical, electrical or fuel systems, which could range from minor quick-fixes to major overhauls. It's important that mechanics pay meticulous attention to detail, because the safety of the rider is relying on the mechanic's ability to correctly identify and fix problems.

Motorcycle mechanics also perform routine maintenance checks, which include monitoring the performance of things such as:

• Brakes
• Plugs
• Carburetors
• Fuel injection systems
• Head and tail lights

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following five U.S. states paid the highest motorcycle mechanic salary in May 2010:

1. California: $41,290
2. Hawaii: $39,390
3. Connecticut: $39,380
4. Massachusetts: $38,880
5. Louisiana: $37,960

A motorcycle mechanic salary also depends on the type of place where one is employed. Owning your own business or working for a very small shop will yield a different salary, than if you work for a dealership, gas and service station or larger chain of shops. Specializing in a particular brand of motorcycle can also affect earnings. These are some popular brands:

• Harley-Davidson
• Suzuki
• Yamaha
• Honda

Even though this is a highly specialized branch of mechanical repair, the BLS estimates that the need for small engine mechanics will grow by about 7 percent by the year 2018. It stands to reason that the more education and training you have as a mechanic, the better your chance of finding a job at a higher-than-average rate of pay.