Small Engine Mechanics
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment.
Work Environment: Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. Although most work full time, seasonal workers often see their hours fluctuate. Workers frequently are busiest during the spring and summer, when equipment use is the highest.
How to Become One: Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Salary: The median annual wage for small engine mechanics is $39,050.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a small engine mechanic with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Mechanic Jobs
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Maintenance Mechanic
- Amsted Rail
- Groveport, OH
GWCOM006606 Industrial Millwright/ Mechanic - Afternoon shift 3:00pm to 11:00pm Amsted Rail-Griffin Wheel , the leading manufacturer of railroad wheels in North America, is currently seeking a ...
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Maintenance Mechanic
- Crown Cork & Seal USA, Inc. Careers
- Sugar Land, TX
The Maintenance Mechanic must possess the desire and ability to manage, maintain and repair automated production machines or equipment that performs one or more functions in the making of aluminum ...
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Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic
- The Friedkin Group
- Houston, TX
The mechanic performs tractor and trailer inspections and preventative maintenance; identifies problems using diagnostic software; enters data in labor/inventory management system; completes work ...
What Small Engine Mechanics Do[About this section] [To Top]
Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment. Mechanics often specialize in one type of equipment, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment.
Duties of Small Engine Mechanics
Small engine mechanics typically do the following:
- Discuss equipment issues, maintenance plans, and work performed with customers
- Perform routine engine maintenance, such as lubricating parts and replacing spark plugs
- Test and inspect engines for malfunctioning parts
- Adjust components according to specifications
- Repair or replace worn, defective, or broken parts
- Reassemble and reinstall components and engines following repairs
- Keep records of inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used
Small engine mechanics work on power equipment ranging from snowmobiles to chain saws. When equipment breaks down, mechanics use many strategies to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. Small engine mechanics identify mechanical, electrical, and fuel system problems and make necessary repairs.
Mechanics' tasks vary in complexity and difficulty. Maintenance inspections and repairs, for example, involve minor adjustments or the replacement of a single part. Hand calibration, piston calibration, and spark plug replacement, however, may require taking an engine apart completely. Some mechanics use computerized equipment to tune racing motorcycles and motorboats.
Mechanics use a variety of hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, for many common tasks. Some mechanics also may use compression gauges, ammeters, and voltmeters to test engine performance. For more complicated procedures, they commonly use pneumatic tools, which are powered by compressed air, or diagnostic equipment.
Although employers usually provide the more expensive tools and testing equipment, some mechanics may be required to use their own hand tools. Some mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their tool collections.
The following are examples of types of small engine mechanics:
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines. Most of their work, whether on small outboard engines or large diesel-powered inboard motors, is performed at docks and marinas where the repair shop is located. Motorboat mechanics also may work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.
Motorcycle mechanics specialize in working on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. They service engines, transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs, among other tasks. Most work for dealerships, servicing and repairing specific makes and models.
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.
Work Environment for Small Engine Mechanics[About this section] [To Top]
Small engine mechanics hold about 79,800 jobs. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up small engine mechanics is distributed as follows:
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | 37,500 |
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | 25,700 |
| Motorcycle mechanics | 16,600 |
The largest employers of small engine mechanics are as follows:
| Motor vehicle and parts dealers | 32% |
| Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores | 12% |
| Repair and maintenance | 10% |
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | 10% |
| Self-employed workers | 7% |
Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. When repairing onboard engines, motorboat mechanics may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
Small Engine Mechanic Work Schedules
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours fluctuate.
Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to motorboats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some may work only part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.
Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Small Engine Mechanics near you!
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Education for Small Engine Mechanics
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.
Motorcycle mechanics typically complete postsecondary education programs in motorcycle repair, and employers prefer to hire these workers because they usually require less on-the-job training.
Small Engine Mechanic Training
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 mechanic's specialization and ability.
Because of the increased complexity of boat and motorcycle engines, motorcycle and motorboat mechanics who do not complete postsecondary education often need more on-the-job training than that needed by outdoor power equipment mechanics.
Employers frequently send mechanics to training courses run by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and dealers. These courses teach mechanics the most up-to-date technology and techniques. Often, such courses are a prerequisite to performing warranty and manufacturer-specific work.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Small Engine Mechanics
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 mechanic's competence and usually brings higher pay.
Motorcycle mechanics usually need a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Important Qualities for Small Engine Mechanics
Customer-service skills. Small engine mechanics frequently discuss problems and necessary repairs with their customers. They must be courteous, be good listeners, and always remain ready to answer customers' questions.
Detail oriented. Small engine mechanics must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes.
Dexterity. Small engine mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools.
Mechanical skills. Small engine mechanics must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often disassemble major parts for repairs, and they must be able to put them back together properly.
Organizational skills. Small engine mechanics keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability for parts.
Troubleshooting skills. Small engine mechanics use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components to identify and fix problems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
Small Engine Mechanic Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics is $39,050. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,280.
Median annual wages for small engine mechanics are as follows:
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | $46,730 |
| Motorcycle mechanics | $38,170 |
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | $37,540 |
The median annual wages for small engine mechanics in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | $46,110 |
| Motor vehicle and parts dealers | $39,230 |
| Repair and maintenance | $38,890 |
| Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores | $36,780 |
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours fluctuate.
Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to boats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some mechanics may work only part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.
Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
Job Outlook for Small Engine Mechanics[About this section] [To Top]
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 9,000 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Small Engine Mechanics
Projected employment of small engine mechanics varies by occupation.
Increased demand for motorboats and motorcycles, as well as for outdoor power equipment, is expected to create jobs for small engine mechanics over the projections decade. In addition, boat and motorcycle engines, as well as engines and parts for outdoor power equipment, have become more sophisticated, which should create demand for small engine mechanics who can fix and maintain them.
However, electric-powered small engines, such as those in lawn mowers and chain saws, may require less routine maintenance and repair services than traditional engines, which might reduce demand for some of these workers.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Small engine mechanics | 79,800 | 83,800 | 5 | 4,000 |
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | 25,700 | 27,800 | 8 | 2,100 |
| Motorcycle mechanics | 16,600 | 17,300 | 4 | 700 |
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | 37,500 | 38,700 | 3 | 1,200 |
More Small Engine Mechanic Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information on outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and training programs, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.