Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, edge trimmers, garden tractors, and portable generators. Some mechanics may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles, but this work is highly seasonal and regional.
Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on automobiles are described in the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Technicians who work primarily on large trucks and buses are described in the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars are described in the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.
- Education Required
- Motorboat and outdoor power equipment mechanics typically begin work with a high school diploma and learn on the job, although some of them seek postsecondary education. High school or vocational school courses in small engine repair and automobile mechanics are often beneficial.
- Training Required
- Trainees work closely with experienced mechanics while learning basic tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or disassembling engine components. As they gain experience, trainees move on to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Achieving competency may take anywhere from several months to 3 years, depending on a mechanics specialization and ability.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Many motorboat and motorcycle manufacturers offer certification specific to their own models, and certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the recognized industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a mechanics competence and usually brings higher pay.
- Median pay: How much do Small Engine Mechanics make?
- $35,280 Annual Salary
- $16.96 per hour
Careers for Small Engine Mechanics
- ATV technicians
- All terrain vehicle technicians
- Certified marine mechanics
- Chain saw mechanics
- Edge trimmer mechanics
- Electric golf cart repairers
- Electric wheelchair repairers
- Go-cart mechanics
- Golf cart mechanics
- Lawn mower repairers
- Marine equipment mechanics
- Marine propulsion technicians
- Marine technicians
- Mechanics and repairers
- Mobility scooter repairers
- Motor scooter mechanics
- Motorboat mechanics
- Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
- Motorcycle mechanics
- Motorcycle repairers
- Motorcycle service technicians
- Motorcycle technicians
- Outboard motor mechanics
- Outboard technicians
- Outdoor power equipment mechanics
- Power saw mechanics
- Power wheelchair mechanics
- Scooter mechanics
- Service technicians, small engine
- Snowblower mechanics
- Snowmobile mechanics
- Two-stroke engine mechanics