How much does a motorcycle mechanic make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical motorcycle mechanic in the United States makes $48,580 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check work orders and inspect bikes, then use tools and diagnostic gear to find problems and repair brakes, engines, or electrical parts. Afterward, they test and adjust the bike, sometimes taking a short ride to check the repair.
Did you know? More than half of surveyed U.S. motorcycle mechanics said they work over 40 hours in a typical week.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,770 and $74,400How do you become one?
In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED, then train in a hands-on motorcycle or trade-school program and learn on the job. Manufacturer training may help; check local rules to see whether a license is needed.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experienced mechanics and those trained on sought-after brands or with useful certifications may earn more. Pay also varies by employer and location, where local demand and living costs differ.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Hampshire ($62,890), lowest in West Virginia ($37,450).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,770 | $48,580 | $74,400 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $62,890 | about 130 |
| Nevada | $60,450 | about 110 |
| New Jersey | $59,430 | about 260 |
| Minnesota | $58,280 | about 350 |
| Oregon | $58,040 | about 160 |
Official definition: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm?education&growth&newjobs&pay&submit=GO&tra
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3052.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/49-3052.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.uti.edu/blog/motorcycle/what-does-a-motorcycle-technician-do
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY