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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.
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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.
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.
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.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?
Where do Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
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.