Arizona is becoming a hot spot for motorcycle enthusiasts--and where there are motorcycles, there are motorcycle technician jobs.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
Apr 3, 2007

As gas prices continue to climb, more and more Baby Boomers are realizing the easy-rider dreams of yesteryear. With motorcycles and scooters more popular than ever in the Grand Canyon State, opportunities abound for motorcycle technician training.

What's So Hot About Arizona?
Now the fastest growing state in the country, Arizona has attracted many "sunbird" Baby Boomers with year-round motorcycle weather and miles of beautiful scenery. In June 2006, Arizona motorcycle registrations rose to 124,438--an increase of nearly 17,000 over the previous year. When you imagine the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, or the longest original stretch of Route 66 seen from the saddle of your chopper, you'll know why Arizona is a biker's paradise.

Your Future in High Gear: Motorcycle Technician Training
In 2005, U.S. sales of motorcycles and scooters jumped to 1.2 million, marking the 13th consecutive year of increased motorcycle sales. An increased biker population means greater demand for motorcycle technicians. Employers need applicants with formal career training. Available at many Arizona vocational schools, motorcycle technician programs provide hands-on training in repairing and analyzing engines, suspensions, transmissions, and other elements of a working bike.

In addition to proficiency with basic hand tools, you'll learn to use sophisticated diagnostic equipment, and to troubleshoot problems with information technology. Since more and more motorcycles incorporate computers, vocational schools can prepare you for the continuing evolution of motorcycle technology.

Honing Your Technician Skills
Many established motorcycle technicians return to vocational school to keep their training up to date. Others use continuing education programs to pursue specialty technician training in specific fields, including:

• Racing bikes
• Street bikes
• Dirt bikes
• Brand name specialties

With dealerships supplying the majority of motorcycle technician jobs (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), specialty training in brand name bikes could prove lucrative. As of 2004, median hourly earnings for motorcycle technicians were $13.70. The top 10 percent made almost $22.00 an hour.

Like a motorcycle, the kind of boost you get from your job depends on what you put into it. If you're looking for a turbo-charged career as a motorcycle technician, Arizona has the right weather, scenery, and vocational schools you'll need to get your motor started!

Sources
Arizona Office of Tourism
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Small engine mechanics"

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.