Rhode Island is the smallest of any state in terms of size, although it features a population of just over one million people, which is good for 43rd out of all 50 states. There is a high percentage of motorcycle owners in the state as there are more than 31,000 in total. That has made for a popular motorcycle culture that is packed with rides, events and rallies. Riders in Rhode Island are not required to wear helmets if they are over 20 years of age and there is no lane splitting allowed within the state. The Zig Zag to the Sea and Backdoor to Newport are two of the more popular motorcycle routes in Rhode Island as it provides from very scenic rides.

Steps to Becoming a Rhode Island Motorcycle Mechanic

A step-by-step process is available for those looking to carve out a career as a motorcycle mechanic in Rhode Island. This process covers the essentials of motorcycle repair and also highlights the importance of each stop along the way. Following these next five steps can lead to a fruitful career as a Rhode Island motorcycle mechanic.

  1. Pick a Motorcycle Mechanic Education Program
  2. Obtain Admission to a Program
  3. Complete Motorcycle Mechanic Education Training
  4. Gain Work Experience
  5. Earn Certifications

Motorcycle mechanics in Rhode Island regular conduct repair service that includes engine overhauls, parts replacement, custom installs, motorcycle inspections and much more.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Mechanic Education

The first step to becoming a motorcycle mechanic in the state of Rhode Island is acquiring the skills and knowledge that are used as an everyday tool. A motorcycle mechanic education program is capable of instilling this set of skills. Such a feat is accomplished by combining classroom work with professional instruction on auto repair in a work bay setting.

The length of a motorcycle mechanic education program varies by each individual institution. Each program is designed to provide a foundation for motorcycle mechanics and help steer them into an entry-level position in motorcycle repair. Some programs are more detailed than others and tuition prices are individually set. For those interested in pursuing a career as a motorcycle mechanic in Rhode Island, the following education may be explored.

SPONSORED

Featured Program:
Earn your Penn Foster Career School's online Motorcycle Repair Technician career diploma at home, and at a pace that's right for you. This program includes a Work Experience Option, that allows you to gain field experience related to your program and career goals of becoming a motorcycle mechanic.

  • Motoring Technical Training Institute
    MTTI is located just five miles outside of Providence and is easily accessible to Rhode Island residents. Its Motorcycle and Power Equipment Technician Program spans 30 weeks.
    1241 Fall River Ave
    Seekonk, MA 02771
    Phone: (508) 336-6611

Rhode Island Motorcycle Mechanic Education Admissions

Gaining admission to a motorcycle mechanic program is similar to what students experience when applying for admission to other types of technical programs. There is usually a high school diploma or GED equivalency requirement, and there is sometimes an age requirement of 18 years. Finding out the particulars of each school's admissions policy can be done by perusing their respective websites or contacting the school directly.

Motorcycle Mechanic Work Experience in Rhode Island

Work experience as a motorcycle mechanic in Rhode Island continues to be a helpful endeavor. Recent graduates of a motorcycle mechanic education program can expand on their educational training with work experience. This will present different scenarios than the ones they were exposed to during their educational training, whether it be in a school or as an apprentice. Work experience will also boost the value of a motorcycle mechanic. Many open positions require work experience and the more work experience that is attained, the better chance a motorcycle mechanic will have at landing a job. Work experience helps the diagnosis of small engine issues and allows mechanics to engage in the most appropriate means of repair. Rhode Island work experience as a motorcycle mechanic can be attained at these following places in addition to a host of other repair shops within the state:

Motorcycle Manufacturer Specific Training

Motorcycle manufacturer specific training is not available in every state. It is a specialized skill that can be obtained by attending a program that teaches the specifics of repair on one brand of motorcycles. When a motorcycle mechanic attains this type of skill, it can be used to bolster the chances of obtaining higher pay rates. It can also be used to work at an establishment that only repairs a certain brand of motorcycles. Here is a listing of the motorcycle manufacturers that provide their own form of specific training.

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

Rhode Island Motorcycle Mechanic Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides estimates for motorcycle mechanic salaries in every state. Since the state of Rhode Island is one of the smaller states in the U.S., the data does not expand on salaries for motorcycle mechanics in any city other than Providence. The data also does not differentiate between motorcycle mechanics with certain levels of work experience. However, the data does show that a Rhode Island motorcycle mechanic has the potential to earn significantly more than the national average. Salary amounts for Rhode Island motorcycle mechanics are also well above the national average. Here is a look at what motorcycle mechanic in Rhode Island can expect to earn over the course of a year.

  • State of Rhode Island
    Top 10% Salary: $49,780 ($23.93 per hr)
    Median Salary: $42,370 ($20.37 per hr)
  • Providence
    Top 10% Salary: $49,640 ($23.87 per hr)
    Median Salary: $41,350 ($19.88 per hr)

Rhode Island Motorcycle Mechanic Employment Trends

Job growth for motorcycle mechanics in Rhode Island has been taking off in recent years. For the 10-year stretch that concludes in 2024, motorcycle mechanics are expected to see a 10% overall job growth in Rhode Island. That upsurge in employment reflects the growing popularity of motorcycles in Rhode Island. That outlook is also very promising to Rhode Island residents looking to pursue a career in motorcycle repair. Consistent employment trends have been proven to provide job security and competitive pay.

Motorcycle Mechanic Certification

The process of becoming certified as a motorcycle mechanic requires a passing score on a certification test. The EETC (Equipment & Engine Training Council) offers certification tests in small engine repair. There are certification tests that gauge the knowledge level of mechanics in two, three, and four-stroke varieties. These distinctions are of particular interest to motorcycle mechanics. When taking one of these certification tests, a passing score of 70% needs to be earned. If a motorcycle mechanic is unsuccessful on the first attempt, certification test retakes are available for a minimal cost.

Becoming certified by the EETC is a way of showing a motorcycle mechanic’s credibility. It can also be viewed as a form of ongoing education as motorcycle mechanics attempt to better their overall knowledge of motorcycle repair. The primary reason for obtaining an EETC certification is often to obtain employment. This serves as a credential that could contribute towards securing a full-time position at a motorcycle repair shop. Another reason to obtain an EETC certification is to gain leverage when negotiating pay rates.

EETC certifications are not affiliated with any state. There are also no state committees or boards that issue certifications or licenses to motorcycle mechanics. Therefore, motorcycle mechanics must take it upon themselves to acquire a form of certification that can help them through their respective careers. Even though some employers may not value certifications as much as others, they can prove to be a valuable asset in the years to come. EETC certifications last for 5 years and must then be renewed.