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Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic

What You Need to Know About Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic

Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic Job 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

  • Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
  • 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.
  • Remove engines from equipment, and position and bolt engines to repair stands.
  • Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
  • Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.

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

These are the skills Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

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.

  • Electric Wheelchair Repairer
  • Gas Golf Cart Repairer
  • Magneto Repairer
  • Gas Engine Repairer
  • Small Engine Technician

Is There Job Demand for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics?

In the United States, there were 37,600 jobs for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic in 2016. 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.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic

The salary for Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics ranges between about $22,670 and $54,210 a year.

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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 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

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

How do I Become an Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Mechanic?

Individuals working as an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic have obtained the following education levels:

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

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming an Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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