Career comparison
Auto Body Technician vs. Motorcycle Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Auto body technicians earn more at the median ($54,890 vs. $48,580), while auto body technicians usually get to work faster (6 months–2 years of training). Auto body technicians repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint. Motorcycle mechanics service and repair motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and other powersports vehicles.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Auto Body Technician | Motorcycle Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $54,890 ($26.39/hr) | $48,580 ($23.35/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,910 – $87,940 | $34,770 – $74,400 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.7% (about as fast as average) | +2.1% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 12,600 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 6 months–2 years | 9–15 months |
| Key credential | I-CAR training and Platinum recognition | Manufacturer certifications |
| Work setting | Technicians work in collision repair shops and dealerships with lifts, frame machines and paint booths. | Mechanics work in dealerships and independent shops. |
What each job does
Auto Body Technician
- Inspect damage and review repair estimates
- Remove and replace damaged panels and parts
- Repair dents and reshape metal
- Measure and straighten frames and unibodies
- Weld and bond steel and aluminum components
Motorcycle Mechanic
- Perform scheduled maintenance and inspections
- Diagnose engine, fuel and electrical problems
- Repair and rebuild engines and transmissions
- Service brakes, wheels, tires and suspension
- Adjust chains, belts and final drives
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose auto body technician if…
- I like fixing things and seeing the results
- I have a good eye for shape and detail
- I don’t mind dust and noise
Choose motorcycle mechanic if…
- I love motorcycles or powersports
- I like diagnosing mechanical problems
- I’m careful about torque specs and safety
Still torn? Take the Auto Body Technician fit quiz and the Motorcycle Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, auto body technician or motorcycle mechanic?
Auto Body Technicians earn more at the median: $54,890 versus $48,580 for motorcycle mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Auto Body Technicians typically train faster (6 months–2 years) than motorcycle mechanics (9–15 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects auto body technicians to grow +3.7% from 2025–35, compared with +2.1% for motorcycle mechanics.