How to Become a Motorcycle Mechanic in Massachusetts

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has a lot of motorcycle advocacy groups and that is headlined by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association, which organizes events and provides safety and education programs. There are also individual motorcycle clubs throughout Massachusetts, most of whom organize their own rides and events. Massachusetts checks in 20th in the United States for the number of registered motorcycles, which is considerable since it does not have a temperate year-round climate and it is also much smaller than many other states. This is proof of the significant motorcycle presence in Massachusetts as there are aficionados and enthusiasts up and down the state. Such a presence bodes well for motorcycle mechanics as there continues to be a high demand for repair and service. Motorcycle owners can also find a host of scenic rides in the neighboring New England states as it provides an excellent setting for day trips and excursions.

The map to becoming a Massachusetts motorcycle mechanic is laid out in an easy-to-follow manner. Going through each step in the process is a way for aspiring motorcycle mechanics to get the necessary training that will allow them to enjoy a lifelong career. Here is a look at the following steps that are suggested.

1. Pick a Motorcycle Mechanic Education Program
2. Finish Admissions Process to Motorcycle Mechanic School
3. Fulfill All Course Requirements in Motorcycle Mechanic Program
4. Establish Work Experience
5. Gain Industry Certifications

The convenience of working at a job that is truly enjoyable is one more perk that comes with being a motorcycle mechanic in Massachusetts. All types of repair and service can be part of the everyday job routine.

A motorcycle mechanic education in Massachusetts can jumpstart a long and rewarding career. Following the specifics of a motorcycle education program will enable students to transition into a career after they complete the specifics within an education program. Motorcycle mechanics throughout Massachusetts have typically gone through some form of formalized training.

Because there is such detail and precision involved with this type of repair, an education is very important and a major key to success. Motorcycle mechanic education programs are split into classroom and practical instruction components. This allows for the instruction of technical knowledge as well as the instruction of how to conduct actual repair. Here is a look at some motorcycle mechanic education options in Massachusetts.

• MotoRing Technical Training Institute
  The Powersport/Motorcycle Technician Program at MTTI takes 30 weeks to complete and awards graduates a certificate that can be used to gain employment at a motorcycle repair shop.
  1241 Fall River Avenue
  Seekonk, MA 02771
  Phone: 508-336-6611

• Smith Adult Community Education
  There are small engine repair course offerings available at the Smith Adult Community Education center located in Northampton.
  80 Locust Street
  Northampton, MA 01060
  Phone: 413-587-1414 Ext.3530

The admissions process for motorcycle mechanics in Massachusetts reflects that process for other post-secondary school programs. There are generally not too many requirements that could cause a delay or obstacle in the admissions process. Applicants are usually required to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency. In some instances, programs require applicants to be at least 18 years of age. The best way to clear up any specific admissions procedures is to contact each post-secondary school directly.

Massachusetts work experience is valuable to any motorcycle mechanic, especially those who are new to the industry. Work experience also serves as a way of learning on the job. Even those who complete motorcycle mechanic education training programs need to be exposed to real-world repair issues. This will help them to identify problems more readily and expand their diagnostic capabilities. Work experience is also a way to climb through the ranks of the motorcycle repair industry. Work experience is one of the main factors that contribute to the hiring process. Many motorcycle repair shops seek out new mechanics at various points in time. During that search process, one factor that is often examined is the amount of work experience a motorcycle mechanic has attained. Below are the listings of some Massachusetts repair shops that can offer work experience to the right candidates.

• Parkway Cycle
  1865 Revere Beach Pkwy
  Everett, MA 02149
  Phone: (617) 389-7000

• American Motorcycle
  769 Waverly Street
  Framingham, MA 01702
  Phone: (508) 872-6676

• M C H Cycles
  10 Lincoln Street
  Medway, MA 02053
  Phone: (508) 321-1955

• Madhouse Motors
  8 Rugg Rd
  Allston, MA 02134
  Phone: (857) 222-3855

• J & G Performance
  43 Highland Rd
  Abington, MA 02351
  Phone: (781) 871-1404

Motorcycle mechanic specific training involves the repair and service of motorcycles produced by a single manufacturer. Companies design training programs that teach motorcycle mechanics how to fix their individual line of motorcycles. Manufacturer specific training programs are limited throughout the country, but can be a valuable asset for motorcycle mechanics. This credential can bump a mechanic up the chain of command, while also making them a more appealing job candidate. This set of skills can be attained in programs that are individually designed by the following motorcycle manufacturers:

• Harley Davidson
• Kawasaki
• Yamaha
• BMW
• Suzuki
• Honda

There is a fluctuating pay scale for motorcycle mechanics in Massachusetts. Location plays a role in the overall annual salary, but there are a number of other components to consider. The setting has a tremendous influence on salary amounts. Some motorcycle repair shops also conduct more expensive types of repair. Custom installs can be quite expensive and motorcycle mechanics who do this kind of work can be rewarded with higher pay rates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has gathered data which reveals motorcycle mechanic salary amounts for the state of Massachusetts. The data also shows salaries for mechanics in other cities throughout the state. Here is a look at some of that data.

• State of Massachusetts
  Top 10% Salary: $49,760 ($23.92 per hr)
  Median Salary: $37,740 ($18.14 per hr)

• Boston
  Top 10% Salary: $48,850 ($23.49 per hr)
  Median Salary: $38,770 ($18.64 per hr)

• Quincy
  Top 10% Salary: $51,980 ($24.99 per hr)
  Median Salary: $37,080 ($17.82 per hr)

There is a fluctuating pay scale for motorcycle mechanics in Massachusetts. Location plays a role in the overall annual salary, but there are a number of other components to consider. The setting has a tremendous influence on salary amounts. Some motorcycle repair shops also conduct more expensive types of repair. Custom installs can be quite expensive and motorcycle mechanics who do this kind of work can be rewarded with higher pay rates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has gathered data which reveals motorcycle mechanic salary amounts for the state of Massachusetts. The data also shows salaries for mechanics in other cities throughout the state. Here is a look at some of that data.

• State of Massachusetts
  Top 10% Salary: $49,760 ($23.92 per hr)
  Median Salary: $37,740 ($18.14 per hr)

• Boston
  Top 10% Salary: $48,850 ($23.49 per hr)
  Median Salary: $38,770 ($18.64 per hr)

• Quincy
  Top 10% Salary: $51,980 ($24.99 per hr)|
  Median Salary: $37,080 ($17.82 per hr)

Employment for motorcycle mechanics in Massachusetts has maintained an even trajectory. There has been a slight increase in each of the last few years and that looks to continue well into the future. Those trends are supported by the continued success of many Massachusetts motorcycle repair shops. This provides of favorable outlook for aspiring motorcycle mechanics who are looking to carve out a career in Massachusetts.

The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) provides certifications to motorcycle mechanics who possess the necessary qualifications. The EETC certifications are issued for small engine repair, which includes motorcycle mechanics. Obtaining an EETC certification is a way of showing that a motorcycle mechanic has surpassed the average level of repair knowledge. Many employers look for motorcycle mechanics who can provide a certification of some form. The EETC remains the industry authority which can elevate the status of a motorcycle mechanic.

Motorcycle repair is unlike automotive repair and that is shown by the differences in the certification process. Auto mechanics have a wide variety of certifications to choose from, although the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence does not offer a single certification to motorcycle mechanics. This is where EETC stepped in and established itself as the entity entrusted with certifying motorcycle mechanics.

It is important to note that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not require motorcycle mechanics to hold any form of certification. Each motorcycle repair shop or dealership reserves the right to designate what constitutes an accepted form of qualification. The criteria set forth by each shop or dealership is what motorcycle mechanics must meet in order to obtain employment. Nevertheless, EETC certifications can go a long way in this process.