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What Kind Of Pay Does A Bike Mechanic Get?
A bike mechanic makes between $15,000 and $35,000 annually depending on where he or she lives. According to Pay Scale, the national average salary for a bike mechanic is $13.95/hour or about $33,600 per year.
However, there are several factors that influence whether or not a person becomes a bike mechanic. Some people become bike mechanics simply because they enjoy fixing bike assemblies, tires, and other parts.
Others may become bike mechanics because they want to work at a bike shop. Still, others may become bike mechanics because it’s a great job that allows them to travel. Regardless of the reason, if you decide to become a bike mechanic, you’ll probably earn somewhere between $15,000 – $35,000 annually.
Who Is A Bike Mechanic?
A bike mechanic is a person who works at manufacturing warehouses, sporting goods stores, department stores, and private bike stores. They are the ones who answer your questions about your bike concerns and can give you advice on what kind of bike you should buy.
Skilled bike technicians work with a wide range of customers and help them out with their bikes on a daily basis. They can diagnose the issues with your bike, assess the damages, and provide technical expertise regarding how to repair bikes.
They can fix defective and damaged parts or upgrade the bike if you desire. They ensure your bike fits your bike repair skill level, physical condition, and frequency.
How Much Money Does A Bike Shop Owner Make?
A bicycle shop owner makes a lot of money. According to Pay Scale, the national average salary for a bicycle shop owner is $32,000 annually. While there are many factors that contribute to this number, including location, industry, and experience level, the main reason is that bicycle shops tend to sell expensive items.
With a high income comes a high cost of living. Many bicycle shop owners live in expensive cities where rent prices are skyrocketing. As a result, many bicycle shop owners must work multiple jobs to afford to house.
What Determines A Bike Mechanic’s Salary
There are several factors that determine a bicycle mechanic’s hourly wage or even a bike shop owner’s salary. Here are some of the factors that determine salary:
Experience
Entry-level bike mechanics generally start out earning between $10-$12 per hour. As experience increases, wages tend to rise. Mid and late-career mechanics can earn anywhere from $13-$19 per hour.
Based on seven salaries, the Pay scale calculates that entry-level bike mechanics earn about 19% lower than the average, or about $11.36 per hour.
However, mid or late- career mechanics can earn anywhere between 3-9% more. This seems to correlate with the percentile wage estimates provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Industry
Bike mechanics work in a variety of industries. Some work in bike shops, others work at bike rentals, and still, others work on personal repairs. Regardless of where they work, most bike mechanics earn between $15.53 and $37,990 per year.
However, if you’re thinking about becoming a bike mechanic, keep in mind that the job isn’t for everyone. You’ll need to spend a lot of time working on bikes, and you won’t be able to charge very high prices since you’ll be competing against other bike mechanics.
Location
Bike mechanics are in high demand across the United States. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in becoming a bike mechanic. You’ll find that the average bike mechanic’s pay varies depending on where you live.
California is the state with the most bike mechanics, followed by Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. These states are also among the highest paying, with average wages ranging from $17.89 per hour to $39,966 per year.
Wyoming is the only state without any bike mechanics, making it the lowest-paid state. On average, bike mechanics earn less than $39,000 per year.
You may not be able to move to a new city right away if you want to become a bike mechanic, but you should still consider moving to a place where there are more jobs available. After all, you won’t be able to work at your current job forever.
What Qualifications Are Necessary To Become A Bike Mechanic?
Obtain A Degree
Bike mechanics are highly sought-after jobs. Many bike owners enjoy riding bicycles, and there are millions of bicycle enthusiasts out there. As a result, there are thousands of bike repair shops across the country. However, only a small percentage of those shops employ qualified bike mechanics.
To become a bike mechanic, you must obtain a high school diploma. Some states require a GED certificate instead. Most bicycle shops and bicycle retailers require at least a high-school degree for the job. If you already have a high school diploma, you may qualify for employment as a bike mechanic.
Complete The Basic Repair Course
A bike mechanic training course will give you the basics of repairing bikes. You’ll learn the theory behind different parts of a bicycle, including brake adjustments, tire replacements, bike cables, seats, etc., and how to fix them.
Some community colleges have available classes that teach you the basics of bicycle repair. These basic bike repair courses are offered in the continuing education department and may include bicycle assembly and tuning, or even professional bicycle repair!
Develop Your Skills While Working In A Bike Shop
Working in a bike shop is a great way to develop your skills and gain experience. Not only do you get to work directly with bicycles, but you also get to observe how professionals handle repairs and maintenance. As you gain experience, you’ll become a better mechanic.
You can begin by assisting a professional bicycle technician. Assistants usually learn about the inner workings of a bike shop through observation. Observing how a professional works help you learn about the proper way to keep a bike shop running smoothly.
Take The Certification Exam
Bike certification is a great way to show off your skills and earn a competitive edge. Earning a certification is also a way to hone and develop skills and improve your bike repair abilities. Having a certification will also open new opportunities for you to advance your career.
There are many bike mechanic schools that offer bike mechanics training and certification programs. However, not every school offers the same courses. Therefore, it’s important to research which school offers the most comprehensive training and certification program.
Keep Working Toward Your Education
As a bike mechanic, you should always strive to keep learning new things. There are plenty of resources available online that can teach you new things about bikes and mechanics. Subscribe to magazines and bike publications to keep yourself updated on the latest trends in the cycling industry.
You can also attend workshops and seminars to learn new things about bikes and bike maintenance. These events are usually free or very affordable, so you won’t have to worry about spending any money.
