If you admire the sound of a well-tuned engine and enjoy competitive sports, you might want to consider a career as a motorsports mechanic. Racing mechanics design, build and test engines, chassis, race car bodies and other components for racing cars, boats and motorcycles. Thee mechanics also make quick adjustments and repairs between and during races to help drivers move to the front of the pack. To earn that first paycheck, though, you need to follow some key steps.

Take auto shop and math classes in high school and earn your diploma. A good high school education provides a solid foundation of knowledge. It also sets the course for a college degree or certificate in auto mechanics.

Enroll in an auto mechanics program at a community college or technical school or in a university mechanical engineering program. Some technical schools focus on race mechanics, including engine and chassis design, building and testing, but you generally must relocate to attend one of these specialized schools. Plus, most award a certificate rather than a college degree. The majority of community colleges offer a two-year associate’s degree in auto mechanics and many universities have bachelor's degree programs in mechanical engineering. A solid education may give you an advantage over other race mechanic job applicants.

Find work in an auto garage and become a certified technician. Racing teams overwhelmingly prefer experienced mechanics who have certification in one or more service areas. To gain certification, you must have two years of work experience and pass a certification test. Master mechanics, who have certification in all eight areas, have the greatest chance to land a job in racing.

Start your own go-kart or stock car team or volunteer to help another team on the local circuit. This can give you valuable garage experience in the racing industry, while providing a chance to network with racing teams that hire mechanics.

Create a resume noting your education and work experience as an auto mechanic. Include all mechanic work in racing, even if you did not earn a paycheck, and send it to race teams along with a cover letter explaining why they should hire you. According to Formula I mechanic Matthew Conroy, race teams receive hundreds of resumes. Make sure yours stands out to increase your chances of landing an interview. Organize your resume to put the strongest information first and use standard fonts to make it easy to read.

Ace the interview. Show confidence by staying positive and expressing your eagerness to work for the company. Demonstrate your skill with race engines, chassis, suspensions and other components by providing specific examples of your work and knowledge acquired at college or through your work as a mechanic. You also need to show that you are a good decision-maker, work well under pressure and will represent the company with professionalism and honor.

Wait for job offers to arrive and accept the best offer based on your salary requirements and career goals. Salaries start at about $45,000, according to Hot Rod Magazine.

Motorcycle Mechanics Employment and Labor Information 2023

Motorcycle Mechanics Employment Brief:

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

Motorcycle Mechanics Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Motorcycle Mechanics.

Motorcycle Mechanics Responsibilities and Duties:

• Repair or replace other parts, such as headlights, horns, handlebar controls, gasoline or oil tanks, starters, or mufflers.
• Disassemble subassembly units and examine condition, movement, or alignment of parts, visually or using gauges.
• Connect test panels to engines and measure generator output, ignition timing, or other engine performance indicators.
• Remove cylinder heads and grind valves to scrape off carbon and replace defective valves, pistons, cylinders, or rings, using hand and power tools.
• Replace defective parts, using hand tools, arbor presses, flexible power presses, or power tools.
• Reassemble and test subassembly units.
• Hammer out dents and bends in frames and weld tears and breaks.
• Mount, balance, change, or check condition or pressure of tires.
• Install motorcycle accessories.
• Repair or adjust motorcycle subassemblies, such as forks, transmissions, brakes, or drive chains, according to specifications.

Typical Daily Tasks of Motorcycle Mechanics:

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition. Measure equipment outputs. Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Repair defective engines or engine components. Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components. Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Getting Information.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Adjust vehicle components according to specifications. Assemble mechanical components or machine parts. Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies. Grind parts to required dimensions. Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment. Install vehicle parts or accessories. Operate welding equipment. Reassemble equipment after repair. Remove dents from equipment, materials, tools or structures.
• Controlling Machines and Processes.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events.

Motorcycle Mechanics Skills and Requirements:

• Management of Personnel Resources Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• PresentationsUsing a computer application to create, manipulate, edit, and show virtual slide presentations.
• NavigationUsing scroll bars, a mouse, and dialog boxes to work within the computer's operating system. Being able to access and switch between applications and files of interest.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Systems Evaluation Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Motorcycle Mechanics Education and Training:

Typical education for include: Postsecondary non-degree award.

Motorcycle Mechanics Salary, Wages, and Salary and Job Outlook

Motorcycle Mechanics average pay is: $20.85 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employees who work in Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance are the highest paid making $22.08, while Automotive Repair and Maintenance make the least at $16.96 per hour.Here are the top city/metro areas with the highest paying salaries for a Motorcycle Mechanics: