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Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic Jobs in California

Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice motorcycle mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice motorcycle mechanic in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice motorcycle mechanic?

To thrive as an Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic, you need a basic understanding of motorcycle mechanics, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant vocational qualification or willingness to train. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand and power tools, and basic maintenance software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate repairs and foster professional growth in a hands-on, technical environment.

What does an apprentice motorcycle mechanic do?

An Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic assists experienced mechanics with the maintenance, repair, and servicing of motorcycles. Their duties typically include inspecting bikes, performing basic repairs, replacing parts, cleaning components, and learning diagnostic procedures. Apprentices also help keep the workshop organized and may interact with customers under supervision. The goal is to gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge to eventually become a qualified motorcycle mechanic.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice motorcycle mechanics during their training period?

Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanics often encounter challenges such as mastering a wide variety of motorcycle models and technologies, keeping up with rapidly changing diagnostic tools, and developing hands-on skills under time constraints. Another common hurdle is balancing on-the-job training with classroom learning requirements, which requires strong time management and adaptability. However, most workshops provide mentorship and structured guidance, helping apprentices overcome these challenges and build a solid foundation for a successful career in motorcycle maintenance and repair.

What is the difference between Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic vs Motorcycle Mechanic?

AspectApprentice Motorcycle MechanicMotorcycle Mechanic
CertificationsTypically in training, may have basic certificationsUsually certified or licensed
Work ExperienceLimited, in training or entry-levelExperienced, skilled in repairs and diagnostics
Work EnvironmentTraining shops, supervised settingsIndependent or team-based repair shops
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting, learning, basic repairsPerforming repairs, diagnostics, maintenance

The main difference between an Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic and a Motorcycle Mechanic is experience and certification level. Apprentices are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Motorcycle Mechanics are fully qualified professionals capable of handling complex repairs independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California? The most popular types of Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California? For Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Motorcycle Mechanic job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

SENIOR MECHANIC - GENERAL SERVICES

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$6.3K - $8.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of SENIOR MECHANIC to fill one (1) vacancy in the Central Garage Division of the General Services Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. Must be available to work swing shift (3:00pm - 12:30am (additional pay $2.00/hourly))

Riverside's Central Garage buys, maintains, repairs, fuels, and disposes of vehicles and equipment for all City Departments, including Police and Fire Departments. There are more than 1,800 pieces of rolling stock in all size and weight categories. Central Garage staff are a team of self-motivated, hard-working people who enjoy their work and take pride in the accomplishment of the mission.

The Senior Mechanic performs highly skilled journey level preventative maintenance, mechanical repair, and tire repair and replacements on a variety of diesel, compressed natural gas, and gasoline powered automotive, police, fire, construction, and towed equipment. Work Performed Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform preventative maintenance inspections, diagnosis and repair mechanical defects on all, forklifts, refuse trucks, utility lifts and crane trucks, towed equipment, para-transit bus, sweepers, construction equipment, fire apparatus, police, standby generators, and mechanical equipment. Perform specialized work on fire equipment and apparatus, compressed natural gas filling station, and dispensing equipment on as-needed basis; inspect and service generators and routine fire station equipment and apparatus inspections, and related repairs.

Diagnose and repair computer controlled vehicles and equipment, emission systems and their related components; disassemble components and repair or replace defective or worn parts. Perform engine tune-ups, overhauls, and general repair and maintenance of a variety of automotive mechanical equipment; perform semi-skilled repairs and installation of new parts on drive-train, steering, hydraulic, electrical, suspension, air compression, air or hydraulic brake systems, ignition, hydraulic pumps and controls, and air conditioning systems. Maintain and service specialized pursuit vehicles and their related systems; maintain and repair gas and diesel-powered light and heavy fire equipment and apparatus such as automobiles, trucks, pumps and generators on as-needed basis; perform brake inspections, diagnosis and perform related brake repairs and replacements.

Inspect, maintain, breakdown, repair, mount, and balance tires on various city vehicles and equipment on an as needed basis. Oversee and perform occasional metal and fabrication work and the routine and complex vehicle maintenance and service requests. Maintain accurate computer-based time and material records and properly annotate all work performed; develop work orders, place parts order requests, and retrieve needed parts.

Perform all tasks in accordance with applicable Federal and State safety standards. Assist in providing direction, training, and assistance to lesser skilled technicians. Maintain work area in a clean and neat condition.

Make emergency field repairs to equipment and vehicles. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED), supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas and diesel-powered equipment.

The completion of a recognized apprenticeship or possession of mechanical certifications from a professionally recognized institution is highly desirable. Experience:Five (5) years of skilled work experience in automotive and heavy equipment repair work of which three (3) years is at the journey level. Experience and certification in alternative fuel systems, compression and dispensing and/or experience in the maintenance and repair of specialized police vehicles, motorcycles, and related equipment is highly desirable.

Necessary Special Requirements: Licenses and Certifications: Possession of an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License upon appointment. Possession of a valid Class "A" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License during the probationary period. Possession of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is highly desirable.

Successful completion of ASE Series test Medium & Heavy-duty Truck Series T1 through T8 Certifications in medium and heavy-duty truck specialty areas is required upon completion of probation. The incumbent must maintain all certifications throughout the course of employment in this classification. Required journey level hand tools sized to a minimum of 1 1/2 ".

The incumbent must maintain all certification throughout the course of employment in this classification. Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, indoors and out, with exposure to wide temperature variations, noise, vibrations, fumes, grease and oils, machinery and its moving parts, odors and dust. Physical demands require bending, stooping and frequent heavy lifting of moderately heavy objects weighing up to fifty pounds.

Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide). The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process.

This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment.

You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment. Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S

Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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