What is an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic?
Occupation Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment and related equipment.
Daily Life Of an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic
- Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- Grind, ream, rebore, and re-tap parts to obtain specified clearances, using grinders, lathes, taps, reamers, boring machines, and micrometers.
- Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
- Remove engines from equipment, and position and bolt engines to repair stands.
- Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
- Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
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What an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic Should Know
When polled, Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Types of Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic
- Garden Equipment Mechanic
- Small Engine Technician
- Engine Mechanic
- Power Wheelchair Mechanic
- Electric Golf Cart Repairers
Job Outlook for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 37,600 jobs in the United States for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,900 new jobs for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,400 positions for Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic per year.

The states with the most job growth for Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic are Utah, Tennessee, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Missouri. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic
The average yearly salary of an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic ranges between $22,670 and $54,210.

Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics who work in Hawaii, Connecticut, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,700 |
Alaska | $43,510 |
Arizona | $35,160 |
Arkansas | $29,280 |
California | $39,390 |
Colorado | $40,000 |
Connecticut | $48,540 |
Delaware | $41,870 |
Florida | $36,550 |
Georgia | $36,910 |
Hawaii | $48,610 |
Idaho | $34,230 |
Illinois | $35,460 |
Indiana | $34,310 |
Iowa | $35,000 |
Kansas | $35,060 |
Kentucky | $29,710 |
Louisiana | $34,640 |
Maine | $36,990 |
Maryland | $41,650 |
Massachusetts | $43,090 |
Michigan | $35,960 |
Minnesota | $39,970 |
Mississippi | $31,850 |
Missouri | $39,390 |
Montana | $36,210 |
Nebraska | $35,100 |
Nevada | $41,410 |
New Hampshire | $40,590 |
New Jersey | $44,800 |
New Mexico | $35,090 |
New York | $41,630 |
North Carolina | $36,350 |
North Dakota | $35,970 |
Ohio | $32,950 |
Oklahoma | $29,000 |
Oregon | $39,180 |
Pennsylvania | $33,500 |
Rhode Island | $38,290 |
South Carolina | $34,400 |
South Dakota | $32,410 |
Tennessee | $31,600 |
Texas | $38,340 |
Utah | $35,800 |
Vermont | $36,550 |
Virginia | $37,810 |
Washington | $41,270 |
West Virginia | $29,310 |
Wisconsin | $35,060 |
Wyoming | $40,070 |
What Tools do Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- RepairTRAX
- Sale processing software
How do I Become an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?
Are there Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?

Where Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics Are Employed

Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic may also be interested in:
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Career changers with experience as an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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