What jobs can I get? How much can I get paid?
Why is This a Good Career Bet?
A large metropolitan area such as the DFW metroplex offers a wide variety of jobs in motorcycle, marine and small engine repair in small to large sales and repair facilities.
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, projects job growth of 27% for motorcycle mechanics, 20% for boat mechanics and 21% for other small engine mechanics over the next decade.
Motorcycle, marine and small engine mechanics maintain and repair engines of motorcycles, motorboats and outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors and chain saws.
A good engine mechanic should be able to:
- Follow directions well according to cleaning and inspection checklists
- Diagnose problems through excellent problem-solving skills
- Perform computer diagnostics
- Put knowledge of basic electrical theory into practice
- Perform engine overhauls
- Take apart and reassemble equipment
- Translate mechanical aptitude into working knowledge of engine repair
- Understand and work on two- and four-stroke engines
- Work on several different types of engines
Motorcycle mechanics specialize in the repair and overhaul of motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. Besides repairing engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes and ignition systems. Mechanics often service just a few makes and models of motorcycles because most work for dealers that service only the products they sell.
Marine equipment (boat) mechanics repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines.
Outdoor power equipment and other small-engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers, garden tractors, edge trimmers and chain saws.
Other Job Possibilities
Knowledge of basic electronics is essential, and skills learned as an engine repairer may transfer to similar occupations, such as automotive, diesel or heavy vehicle 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.