Median hourly earnings of motorcycle mechanics were $13.03 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.14 and $16.65. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.17, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.04. Median hourly earnings in 2002 in other motor vehicle dealers, the industry employing the largest number of motorcycle mechanics, were $13.00.
Median hourly earnings of motorboat mechanics were $13.97 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.91 and $17.32. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.89, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.20. Median hourly earnings in 2002 in other motor vehicle dealers, the industry employing the largest number of motorboat mechanics, were $13.43.
Median hourly earnings of outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics were $11.93 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.45 and $14.99. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.39, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $18.24. Median hourly earnings in 2002 in lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores, the industry employing the largest number of outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics, were $10.97.
Small engine mechanics tend to receive few benefits in small shops, but those employed in larger shops often receive paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also pay for work-related training and provide uniforms.
Small engines powering motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment share many characteristics with their larger counterparts, including breakdowns. Small engine mechanics repair and service power equipment ranging from racing motorcycles to chain saws.
Like large engines, small engines require periodic service to minimize the chance of breakdowns and to keep them operating at peak performance. During routine equipment maintenance, mechanics follow a checklist that includes the inspection and cleaning of brakes, electrical systems, fuel injection systems, plugs, carburetors, and other parts. Following inspection, mechanics usually repair or adjust parts that do not work properly or replace unfixable parts. Routine maintenance is normally a major part of the mechanic's work.
When a piece of equipment breaks down, mechanics use various techniques to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. The mark of a skilled mechanic is the ability to diagnose mechanical, fuel, and electrical problems and to make repairs in a minimal amount of time. Quick and accurate diagnosis requires problem-solving ability and a thorough knowledge of the equipment's operation.
In larger repair shops, mechanics may use special computerized diagnostic testing equipment as a preliminary tool in analyzing equipment. This computerized equipment provides a systematic performance report of various components to compare against normal ratings. After pinpointing the problem, the mechanic makes the needed adjustments, repairs, or replacements. Some jobs require minor adjustments or the replacement of a single item, such as a carburetor or fuel pump. In contrast, a complete engine overhaul requires a number of hours to disassemble the engine and replace worn valves, pistons, bearings, and other internal parts. Some highly skilled mechanics use highly specialized components and the latest computerized equipment to customize and tune motorcycles and motorboats for racing.
Small engine mechanics use common handtools, such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers. They also utilize power tools, such as drills and grinders, when customized repairs warrant their use. Computerized engine analyzers, compression gauges, ammeters and voltmeters, and other testing devices help mechanics locate faulty parts and tune engines. Hoists may be used to lift heavy equipment such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. Mechanics often refer to service manuals for detailed directions and specifications while performing repairs.
Motorcycle mechanics repair and overhaul motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Besides repairing engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs. Mechanics usually specialize in the service and repair of one type of equipment, although they may work on closely related products. Mechanics may service just a few makes and models of motorcycles, because dealers usually service only the products they sell.
Motorboat mechanics, or marine equipment mechanics, repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines. Most small boats have portable outboard engines that are removed and brought into the repair shop. Larger craft, such as cabin cruisers and commercial fishing boats, are powered by diesel or gasoline inboard or inboard-outboard engines, which are removed only for major overhauls. Most of these repairs are performed at the docks or marinas. Motorboat mechanics also may work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, edge trimmers, and chain saws. They also may occasionally work on portable generators and gocarts. In addition, small engine mechanics in northern parts of the country may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles, but demand for this type of repair is seasonal.
Employment of small engine mechanics is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Most of the job openings are expected to be replacement jobs, because many experienced small engine mechanics are expected to transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons. Job prospects should be especially favorable for persons who complete mechanic training programs.
Growth of personal disposable income over the 2002ø12 period should provide consumers with more discretionary dollars to buy motorboats, lawn and garden power equipment, and motorcycles. This type of spending will require more mechanics to keep the growing amount of equipment in operation. In addition, routine service will always be a significant source of work for mechanics. While advancements in technology will lengthen the interval between checkups, the need for qualified mechanics to perform this service will increase.
Employment of motorcycle mechanics should increase as the popularity of motorcycles rebounds. Motorcycle usage should continue to be popular with persons between 18 and 24 years, an age group that historically has had the greatest proportion of motorcycle enthusiasts. Motorcycles also are becoming increasingly popular with persons over the age of 40. Traditionally, this group has more disposable income to spend on recreational equipment such as motorcycles and motorboats.
Over the next decade, more people will be entering the 40-and-older age group, the group responsible for the largest segment of marine craft purchases. These potential buyers will help expand the market for motorboats, while maintaining the demand for qualified mechanics.
The construction of new single-family houses will result in an increase in the lawn and garden equipment in operation, increasing the need for mechanics. However, equipment growth will be slowed by trends toward smaller lawns and the contracting out of maintenance to lawn service firms. Growth also will be tempered by the tendency of many consumers to dispose of and replace relatively inexpensive items rather than have them repaired.
Due to the increasing complexity of motorcycles and motorboats, most employers prefer to hire mechanics who graduate from formal training programs for small engine mechanics. Because the number of these specialized postsecondary programs is limited, most mechanics learn their skills on the job or while working in related occupations. For trainee jobs, employers hire persons with mechanical aptitude who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of small two- and four-stroke engines. Many trainees develop an interest in mechanics and acquire some basic skills through working on automobiles, motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment as a hobby. Others may be introduced to mechanics through vocational automotive training in high school or one of many postsecondary institutions.
Trainees learn routine service tasks under the guidance of experienced mechanics by replacing ignition points and spark plugs or by taking apart, assembling, and testing new equipment. As they gain experience and proficiency, trainees progress to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Up to 3 years of on-the-job training may be necessary before a novice worker becomes competent in all aspects of the repair of motorcycle and motorboat engines.
Employers often send mechanics and trainees to special courses conducted by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers or distributors. These courses, which last as long as 2 weeks, upgrade the worker's skills and provide information on repairing new models. They are usually a prerequisite for any mechanic who performs warranty work for manufacturers or insurance companies.
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for trainee mechanic positions, but will accept applicants with less education if they possess adequate reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. Many equipment dealers employ students part time and during the summer to help assemble new equipment and perform minor repairs. Helpful high school courses include small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and business arithmetic.
Knowledge of basic electronics is essential for small engine mechanics, because electronic components control an engine's performance, the vehicle's instrument displays, and a variety of other functions of motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment.
The most important work possessions of mechanics are their handtools. Mechanics usually provide their own tools, and many experienced mechanics have invested thousands of dollars in them. Employers typically furnish expensive power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment, but mechanics accumulate handtools with experience.
The skills used as a small engine mechanic generally transfer to other occupations, such as automobile, diesel, or heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics. Experienced mechanics with leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Mechanics with sales ability sometimes become sales representatives or open their own repair shops.
Mechanics and repairers who work on mobile equipment other than small engines include automotive service technicians and mechanics, diesel service technicians and mechanics, and heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics.
General information about motorcycle mechanic careers may be obtained from:
General information about motorboat mechanic careers is available from:
Opportunities should be best for persons who complete post secondary programs in farm equipment or diesel mechanics. To operate efficiently, many farms have several tractors equipped with 40- to 400-horsepower engines. Often called service technicians, these workers service, maintain, and repair farm equipment as well as smaller lawn and garden tractors sold to suburban homeowners. Farmers have increasingly turned to farm equipment dealers to service and repair their equipment because the machinery has grown in complexity. Modern equipment uses more electronics and hydraulics making it difficult to perform repairs without some specialized training.
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They maintain equipment so that it operates properly and safely. Mechanics often use hand-held computers to diagnose components that need repair. They may take the equipment apart to inspect or repair various parts. Mechanics in large shops often specialize in one or two types of work. Some heavy equipment mechanics go through apprenticeship training.
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Opportunities should be best for persons who complete post secondary programs in farm equipment or diesel mechanics. To operate efficiently, many farms have several tractors equipped with 40- to 400-horsepower engines. Farm equipment dealers employ most of the farm equipment mechanics. Often called service technicians, these workers service, maintain, and repair farm equipment as well as smaller lawn and garden tractors sold to suburban homeowners. Farmers have increasingly turned to farm equipment dealers to service and repair their equipment because the machinery has grown in complexity.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/81.htm
Some work mostly on diesel engines of equipment such as farm machines, ships, locomotives, compressors and pumps used in oil well drilling and in irrigation. Mechanics work on diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles such as buses and trucks. In engine building shops, some mechanics repair and adjust engines to restore them to good working order, while others specialize in parts of the engine such as fuel injection systems. Hazards in this occupation include exposure to fumes, hand and finger injuries, burns from hot surfaces and the possibility of electrical shock from ignition systems. Employers also provide tools and power equipment.
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Others seek advanced certification and become elevator inspectors. But elevator mechanics take the highs and lows in stride. Most construction workers need only a single specialized set of skills, but elevator mechanics are different. They must also have strong skills in electronics and hydraulics. Learn more with an informational interview with a local employer.
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Opportunities should be excellent, but competition is likely for the best paying airline jobs. Inspections take place following a schedule based on the number of hours the aircraft has flown, calendar days since the last inspection, cycles of operation, or a combination of these factors. To examine an engine, aircraft mechanics work through specially designed openings while standing on ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from the craft. Worn or defective parts are repaired or replaced. Coursework in these trade schools normally lasts from 24 to 30 months and provides training with the tools and equipment used on the job.
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Nature of the Work Today's farms use more sophisticated equipment and advanced business practices than ever before. Farmers have increasingly turned to farm equipment dealers to service and repair their equipment because the machinery has grown in complexity. Modern equipment uses more electronics and hydraulics making it difficult to perform repairs without some advanced training. Mechanics work mostly on equipment brought into the shop for repair and adjustment. In large shops, mechanics generally specialize in certain types of work, such as diesel engine overhaul, hydraulic maintenance, or clutch and transmission repair.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/28.htm
They check equipment and make minor adjustments, clean parts, and tune engines. They use testing equipment to find out where in the engine the problem is. When the problem is found, farm equipment mechanics replace the worn and broken parts. They monitor the repaired machine to make sure it is running properly again. However, farm equipment mechanics sometimes travel to farms to work on large machinery.
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Farm equipment has grown in size, complexity, and variety. Many farms have several tractors equipped with from 40- to 400-horsepower diesel engines. As farm machinery has grown larger with more electronic and hydraulic controls, farmers have increasingly turned to farm equipment dealers for service and repair of the machines they sell. Mechanics spend much of their time repairing and adjusting malfunctioning equipment that has been brought to the shop. In large shops, mechanics generally specialize in certain types of work, such as diesel engine overhaul, hydraulics, or clutch and transmission repair.
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Weekend and holiday hours are common; repairers may be on call around the clock in case of emergencies. Electronic switches route telephone signals to their destinations. Radio transmitters and receivers relay signals from wireless phones and radios to their destinations. Newer telecommunications equipment is computerized and can communicate a variety of information, including data, graphics, and video. The workers who set up and maintain this sophisticated equipment are radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos188.htm