Twenty-first century motorcycle maintenance requires more than knowing your way around an engine. Motorcycle mechanics must have a working knowledge of electronics, brake systems, and transmissions, as well as engines, if they are to keep the country's motorcycles operating at peak performance. With modern testing equipment and software, as well as increasingly complex and sophisticated systems, motorcycle repair specialists must remain keep up-to-date on some of the latest technology. Many choose to develop the expertise they need in an online motorcycle mechanic training program.
Most online motorcycle mechanic schools require a commitment of one year or less. These highly focused programs teach the fundamentals of motorcycle testing, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), motorcycle mechanics can expect their field to grow 4% by 2024.
Vocational Certificate
Many choose to obtain a certificate in motorcycle maintenance because they know this specialized field produces steady work. Certificate holders are qualified to repair nearly any problem that arises with specialized motorcycle engines, be it the electrical, steering, brake, or transmission systems. Many motorcycle repair professionals choose to develop these necessary and diverse skills in online motorcycle mechanic courses where a certificate can be obtained quickly and inexpensively. For most programs, only a high school diploma or GED is required.
The typical program will provide training in diagnostics and repair, as well as maintenance. Most will require classes covering electrical, ignition, fuel, and emission systems. The typical program will include coursework on both two- and four- cycle engines. Of course, classes on regular maintenance, routine inspection, and regular tuning and adjustment will be required as well.
What's Next for Motorcycle Maintenance Certificate Holders?
According to data compiled by the BLS, over 70,000 people were employed as small engine mechanics in 2014, and they earned a median salary of $34,130.
Many certificate holders choose to continue their education and pursue an associate degree; these professionals realize that the more education a person has, the greater his or her earnings and likelihood of having a job. For this reason, some motorcycle mechanics choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. According to BLS and Georgetown University data, bachelor’s degree holders will have a 40% better chance of finding a job over certificate holders; by the Center’s projections, a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn nearly $2.3 million over his career, while the person who did not graduate high school will earn less than $1 million.