Occupation · SOC 49-3091
Bicycle Repairers
Repair and service bicycles.
Median wage
$40,360
$30,640–$52,130
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
12,590
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
RepairingTroubleshootingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingService OrientationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Inventory management softwarePoint of sale POS softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Install and adjust brakes and brake pads.Help customers select bicycles that fit their body sizes and intended bicycle uses.Align wheels.Assemble new bicycles.Sell bicycles and accessories.Install, repair, and replace equipment or accessories, such as handlebars, stands, lights, and seats.Install new tires and tubes.Install and adjust speed and gear mechanisms.Clean and lubricate bicycle parts.Order bicycle parts.Disassemble axles to repair, adjust, and replace defective parts, using hand tools.Build wheels by cutting and threading new spokes.Shape replacement parts, using bench grinders.Repair holes in tire tubes, using scrapers and patches.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic hand tools and bike stand — identify and use under direct supervision during initial assembly of new bicycles in a retail shop setting.Brake pads and brake hardware — install on standard caliper and V-brake systems following written instructions under technician guidance.New tires and inner tubes — mount and seat onto rims using tire levers and a floor pump under close supervision on common bike sizes.Wheel trueing stand and spoke wrench — recognize misalignment and make minor spoke adjustments under direct technician direction.Speed and gear mechanisms — identify derailleur and shifter components and assist with basic cable installation under supervised conditions.Accessories such as seats, handlebars, and lights — install pre-specified items on customer bicycles following step-by-step shop procedures.Customer bicycle fit — assist customers in selecting appropriately sized bicycles by applying basic frame-size charts under staff guidance.Point-of-sale software — process simple bicycle and accessory sales transactions following store protocols with supervisor oversight.Shop safety rules and tool storage standards — follow consistently during daily tasks to maintain a safe retail repair environment.Manufacturer assembly manuals — read and interpret to complete straightforward bicycle build tasks under the direction of a senior repairer.
developing
Brake systems including rim and disc types — adjust cable tension, pad alignment, and lever feel independently on a range of customer bicycles.New tires and tubes — select correct size and type, install, and inflate to specification without supervision across standard and specialty bike formats.Wheel alignment — true wheels to within acceptable tolerance using a stand and spoke wrench on both new builds and customer repairs.Derailleur and indexed gear systems — install, cable, and adjust front and rear mechanisms to achieve smooth shifting on multi-speed bicycles.Handlebar, stem, seat post, and saddle assemblies — replace and torque to specification on customer bikes within typical shop turnaround times.Customer needs — listen actively and recommend bicycles and accessories that match body size, riding style, and budget in a retail floor environment.Inventory management software — enter parts received, update stock levels, and flag low-quantity items during routine shop inventory cycles.Common mechanical faults — diagnose by inspection and test ride, determine root cause, and communicate findings clearly to customers.Bicycle accessories including lights, locks, and stands — sell and upsell during customer interactions by applying basic product knowledge.Completed repair quality — inspect against service checklist before returning bicycles to customers to ensure safety and workmanship standards.
proficient
Complex brake systems including hydraulic disc brakes — bleed, rebuild, and calibrate autonomously on a wide variety of road, mountain, and hybrid bicycles.Advanced drivetrain systems including electronic shifting and internally geared hubs — diagnose, adjust, and repair without reference to supervision.Severely damaged or out-of-round wheels — rebuild from the hub using a spoke calculator and trueing stand to achieve professional tension and alignment.Non-routine assembly faults — troubleshoot and resolve issues arising from mixed components, damaged threads, or incompatible standards in a busy shop environment.Full bicycle fits — conduct body-measurement-based fitting sessions and advise customers on stem length, saddle height, and cleat position for performance and comfort.High-value bicycle sales — guide customers through premium product selections by applying technical knowledge of frame materials, geometry, and component groupsets.Repair estimates and service records — produce accurate written quotes, maintain job records using shop software, and communicate timelines reliably to customers.Warranty and technical documentation — read and apply manufacturer service bulletins and recall notices to ensure compliance across all shop repair work.Parts sourcing decisions — evaluate supplier options, select compatible components, and manage special orders using inventory and supplier database tools.Apprentice technicians — mentor in diagnostic and repair procedures during day-to-day shop operations, providing feedback that builds foundational competence.
advanced
Shop-wide service standards and repair workflows — design and implement to maximize efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction across all technician skill levels.Training curriculum for new bicycle repairers — develop and deliver covering tool use, safety, repair sequences, and customer service within a retail or organizational setting.Inventory and purchasing strategy — establish reorder points, negotiate with suppliers, and manage stock levels using inventory management and spreadsheet software to control costs.Point-of-sale and shop management systems — select, configure, and train staff on software platforms that integrate sales, service, and customer data for the business.Performance benchmarks for repair quality and customer service — set, monitor, and continuously improve using data drawn from service records and customer feedback.Technical expertise on emerging bicycle technologies including e-bikes and advanced drivetrain systems — research, acquire, and disseminate to keep the shop's capabilities current.Complex customer escalations and warranty disputes — resolve by applying deep product knowledge, supplier relationships, and professional communication skills.Safety protocols and compliance requirements — author and enforce shop-wide policies covering tool handling, chemical storage, and workspace standards.Community and organizational partnerships — represent the shop or program in outreach, cycling advocacy, or educational initiatives that build brand reputation and customer base.Business performance metrics including revenue, labor efficiency, and gross margin — analyze using spreadsheet and POS data and present strategic recommendations to ownership or leadership.
Also known as
28 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Service Shop Technician (Service Shop Tech)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force 2T351)Bicycle RepairerMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Helper, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T311C)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T351A)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force 2T371)Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (Army 91B)Bicycle AssemblerBike TechnicianBicycle RepairmanBicycle Repair TechnicianMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Journeyman, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T351C)Bicycle MechanicShop TechnicianMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Apprentice, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance (Air Force 2T331C)Bike MechanicMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T311A)Bike AssemblerService TechnicianBicycle Service TechnicianBicycle FitterMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force 2T331)Shop MechanicMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper (Air Force 2T311)Bicycle TechnicianMission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T331A)Bike Assembler Tech (Bicycle Assembler Technician)Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance (Air Force 2T3X1)