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If you love motorcycles, working on them every day could be a dream job. Being able to fix bikes and thrill your customers can be a rewarding experience. Plus, you get to check out sleek vintage and new models you might even want to get for yourself someday.
As with any career, there are many different factors to take into account when thinking about becoming a motorcycle technician, also known as a motorcycle mechanic.1 These include industry demand, job outlook and salary, just to name a few. Considering these things upfront can help you feel confident in your decision to train for a career in the field!
How Much Do Motorcycle Mechanics Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary for motorcycle mechanics in the United States was $43,370 in May 2022.30 This means half of motorcycle technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
If you’re wondering how motorcycle mechanic salaries vary, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to get an idea of what motorcycle mechanics are earning so you can plan your next career move.
Top 10 Annual Median Salaries for Motorcycle Mechanics
Median wages reported in May 2021. BLS has data for all but Delaware and the District of Columbia. However, keep in mind that motorcycle mechanic positions exist in every state.
1. Rhode Island: $59,030
Rhode Island features many quaint towns and well-maintained roadways that make riding motorcycles enjoyable and scenic. Bikers can enjoy the routes that run through diverse landscapes, from forests to beaches.
2. California: $47,610
California is the third-largest state in the country and home to one of the world’s most prominent motorcycle cultures. There are tons of open roads for motorcyclists to take rides through mountains and cities. Motorcycle rides along the Pacific Ocean coastline also are popular, so having mechanics along the way is a necessity.
3. New Hampshire: $47,060
New Hampshire is one of the states most densely populated with motorcyclists. It’s home to Laconia Motorcycle Week, one of the country’s oldest motorcycle rallies, which dates back to the early 1900s and attracts hundreds of thousands of bikers a year. The locals and visitors who come through mean motorcycle mechanics are in demand in this state.
4. Utah: $46,770
Utah ranks third for state with the highest number of national parks. With places like Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and Canyon Reef, its no wonder motorcyclists like to flock to this corner of the Southwest to ride — good news for motorcycle mechanics.
5. Nevada: $46,760
Nevada offers a variety of scenic tracks for motorcyclists, including those in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Hoover Dam Loop. Las Vegas is a popular tourist area for visiting motorcyclists, so there are plenty of motorcycle repair opportunities for those skilled in the trade. Nevada also hosts motorcycle events and biker rallies throughout the year, which creates a vibrant culture for those who work on motorcycles in the state.
6. North Dakota: $46,750
Known for its sprawling acres of farmland, riders flock to North Dakota to ride along the interstate and explore side roads for unique adventures. This creates exciting job opportunities for technicians.
7. Vermont: $46,700
The Green Mountain State offers hundreds of miles of beautifully scenic byways and dirt road highways perfect for a motorcycle. The need for motorcycle mechanics comes from a variety of a bikers — sport riders embrace twisty bits like Route 232, while touring riders can unwind on roads like Vermont Route 30.
8. Colorado: $45,690
The mountaineer biker is ready to hit the roads of Colorado. With its skyways and a byway all the way to the top of the Rocky Mountains, motorcycling is a way of life in Colorado, making it a good place to be for motorcycle mechanics.
9. Oregon: $45,400
For those ready to see where the forest meets the Pacific Ocean, Oregon offers a beautiful coastline highway ride. Oregon experiences a lot of tourism as well, bringing both visitors and residents into the motorcycle mechanic shop when needed.
10. Washington: $44,970
Just above Oregon is similar beautiful coastline, but with even more greenery and tourism, as Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. In Motorcycle Roads’ list of the top 100 rides in the country, you’ll see Washington listed a couple times, making it a great place to ride and work.
Ranking Motorcycle Mechanic Salaries in All 50 States and the District of Columbia
| Rank | State | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RI | $59,030 |
| 2 | CA | $47,610 |
| 3 | NH | $47,060 |
| 4 | UT | $46,770 |
| 5 | NV | $46,760 |
| 6 | ND | $46,750 |
| 7 | VT | $46,700 |
| 8 | CO | $45,690 |
| 9 | OR | $45,400 |
| 10 | WA | $44,970 |
| 11 | ID | $44,420 |
| 12 | NY | $43,570 |
| 13 | GA | $43,170 |
| 14 | NC | $41,820 |
| 15 | MA | $39,690 |
| 16 | MO | $39,420 |
| 17 | CT | $38,820 |
| 18 | MS | $38,540 |
| 19 | NE | $38,490 |
| 20 | VA | $38,390 |
| 21 | HI | $38,340 |
| 22 | AK | $38,310 |
| 23 | WI | $38,210 |
| 24 | MT | $37,920 |
| 25 | MD | $37,720 |
| 26 | FL | $37,540 |
| 27 | NJ | $37,530 |
| 28 | MN | $37,490 |
| TX | $37,490 | |
| 29 | IN | $37,480 |
| ME | $37,480 | |
| 30 | KS | $37,350 |
| KY | $37,350 | |
| MI | $37,350 | |
| 31 | OH | $37,340 |
| 32 | IA | $37,260 |
| 33 | OK | $37,050 |
| WY | $37,050 | |
| 34 | TN | $36,960 |
| 35 | PA | $36,870 |
| SD | $36,870 | |
| 36 | AL | $36,280 |
| 37 | SC | $36,000 |
| 38 | LA | $34,570 |
| 39 | AZ | $34,390 |
| 40 | IL | $33,550 |
| 41 | WV | $29,210 |
| 42 | NM | $27,890 |
| 43 | AR | $25,520 |
| — | DE | N/A |
| — | DC | N/A |
Train for a Career in the Motorcycle Industry
Part of the excitement of working on motorcycles as a technician is that every day is different. From the bikes you work on to the people you meet, one thing stays constant: the love of motorcycle culture.
If motorcycles are your passion and you want to make a career out of working on them, check out the Motorcycle Technician training program offered at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), a division of Universal Technical Institute (UTI).
In this 48-week program,7 you’ll learn the key components of motorcycle technology and have the opportunity to complete manufacturer-specific courses on some of the top brands in the industry. To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.
MMI Campuses That Offer Motorcycle Mechanic Training
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.