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Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic

All About Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics

Job Description & Duties Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment and related equipment.

List of Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic Job Duties

  • Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
  • Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
  • Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
  • Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
  • Show customers how to maintain equipment.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?

Below is a list of the skills most Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics say are important on the job.

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.

Other Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic Job Titles

  • Repair Technician
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic (OPE Mechanic)
  • Electric Wheelchair Repairer
  • Production Engine Repairer
  • Gas Golf Cart Repairer

Is There Job Demand 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. The BLS estimates 4,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic Salary

The typical yearly salary for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics is somewhere between $22,670 and $54,210.

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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 different U.S. states?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • RepairTRAX
  • Sale processing software

Becoming an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic

Learn what Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?

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Where do Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics employed by various industries.

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic may also be interested in:

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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