Motorcycle, All-terrain Vehicle, and Other Related Mechanics

(NOC 7334)

in All Trades and Transportation

Mechanics in this group assemble, service, and repair motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, outboard motors, forklifts, and all-terrain vehicles. They work for service shops of motorcycle dealers and retailers and independent service shops.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

  • Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small with infrequent job opportunities.
Demand: A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically permanent positions.

Hourly Pay

$15.81

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$27.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$12,116

Minimum

$38,856

Median

$86,582

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Mechanics in this group assemble, service, and repair motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, outboard motors, forklifts, and all-terrain vehicles. They work for service shops of motorcycle dealers and retailers and independent service shops.

Job duties

Mechanics:

  • Review work orders and discuss work to be performed with supervisor.
  • Inspect and test engine and other mechanical components using test devices to diagnose and isolate faults.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace mechanical or electrical system parts and components using hand tools and equipment.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems for proper performance.
  • Complete scheduled maintenance service on equipment.
  • Advise customers on work done and general condition of equipment.
  • Estimate repair costs.
  • May repair and rebuild hoisting mechanism and other mechanical systems on industrial trucks and forklifts.

Sample job titles

  • all-terrain vehicle repairer
  • forklift mechanic
  • inboard-outboard mechanic
  • motor boat mechanic
  • motorcycle mechanic
  • outboard motor mechanic
  • snowmobile repairer

Skills

  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Physical strength and stamina
  • Computer skills
  • Time management skills
  • Logical thinking and decision making
  • Communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Able to test ride units
  • They should enjoy work that requires precision and solving mechanical problems.

Job requirements

  • High school or equivalent (usually).
  • A combination of over three years of work experience in the motorcycle technician trade and some high school or college courses in motorcycle repair is usually required for trade certification.
  • Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
  • Certification for motorcycle technicians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
  • Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for motorcycle technicians.
  • Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Other mechanics in this group may require several years of on-the-job training.

Other considerations

  • Mechanics usually work indoors in shops. The work environment may include noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts, and vibrations.
  • The work involves standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling, and reaching.
  • Work hours vary throughout the year and tend to be longer in the summer months.
  • Workers may specialize in specific motorcycle, scooter, and all-terrain vehicle makes or types.
  • Experienced mechanics may advance to supervisory positions, shop foreperson, service manager, or instructors. Some mechanics may open their own shops.

By the numbers

Quick look

230

employed in 2016

95.7%

employed full-time

10.9%

self employed

4.3%
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95.7%
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41.4

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
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94.7%
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46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

37.8%

Halifax

$46,710 median annual income
26.7%

Southern

$34,893 median annual income
15.6%

North Shore

$62,506 median annual income
15.6%

Annapolis Valley

$43,212 median annual income
4.4%

Cape Breton

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

33.3%

Retail trade

19.4%

Other services (except public administration)

19.4%

Manufacturing

13.9%

Wholesale trade

13.9%

Transportation and warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

31.0%

25-34

20.0%

35-44

18.0%

45-54

16.0%

55-64

11.0%

15-24

4.0%

65+

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

40.4%

Trade Certification

$46,911 median annual income
31.9%

College Diploma

$40,560 median annual income
17.0%

High school

$38,501 median annual income
8.5%

Less than high school

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income
25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income
22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income
18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income
2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain motorcycles and other similar powered vehicles. They include courses in lubrication and cooling systems, electrical and ignition systems, carburetion, fuel systems and adjustments of moving parts.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Motorcycle Technician

Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Halifax, NS

Contacts

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.