How to become a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanic
Official title: Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
Also called: Forklift mechanic, Lift truck mechanic, Motor boat mechanic, Motorcycle mechanic, Motorcycle repairer, Outboard motor mechanic, Inboard-outboard mechanic, Industrial truck mechanic, Motorcycle repairman/woman, Recreation vehicle mechanic, Recreation vehicle repairer, All-terrain vehicle repairer
Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics test, repair and service motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, outboard motors, forklifts and all-terrain vehicles. They are employed by service shops of motorcycle dealers and retailers and by independent service establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
- Perform scheduled maintenance service on equipment
- Advise customers on work performed and general condition of equipment
- Repair or replace electrical wiring, plumbing, propane gas lines, appliances, windows, doors, cabinets and structural frames in recreational vehicles
- Determine estimates of repair cost
How to become one
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. For motorcycle mechanics, completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience and high school or college courses in motorcycle repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Motorcycle mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified motorcycle mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. For recreation vehicle technicians, completion of a two- to four-year apprenticeship program or college, high school or industry courses combined with several years of related work experience or several years of on-the-job training are required. Trade certification for recreation vehicle service technicians is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified recreation vehicle service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. Other mechanics in this unit group may require several years of on-the-job training.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. For motorcycle mechanics, completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience and high school or college courses in motorcycle repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. For recreation vehicle technicians, completion of a two- to four-year apprenticeship program or college, high school or industry courses combined with several years of related work experience or several years of on-the-job training are required. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $46,800 to $68,250.
- About 12,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 13,400 are projected by 2033. (+7.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- Appliance servicers and repairers
- Electrical mechanics
- Other small engine and small equipment repairers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanic?
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. For motorcycle mechanics, completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience and high school or college courses in motorcycle repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Motorcycle mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified motorcycle mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. For recreation vehicle technicians, completion of a two- to four-year apprenticeship program or college, high school or industry courses combined with several years of related work experience or several years of on-the-job training are required. Trade certification for recreation vehicle service technicians is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified recreation vehicle service technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. Other mechanics in this unit group may require several years of on-the-job training.
How much does a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanic earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $46,800 to $68,250.
Is a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanic a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 12,500 to about 13,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanic?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03