Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Career Overview

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

Also Known As

• Mechanic
• Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician
• Service Technician (Service Tech)
• Small Engine Mechanic

Alternate Job Titles

• Chain Saw Mechanic
• Chainsaw Technician
• Edge Trimmer Mechanic
• Electric Golf Cart Repairer
• Electric Wheelchair Repairer
• Engine Mechanic
• Engine Service Repairer
• Engine Specialist
• Garden Equipment Mechanic
• Garden Implement Mechanic
• Garden Machinery Mechanic
• Garden Tractor Mechanic
• Gas Engine Mechanic
• Gas Engine Repairer
• Gas Golf Cart Repairer

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
• Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
• Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
• Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
• Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
• Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
• Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Mechanical

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Equipment Maintenance
2. Repairing
3. Troubleshooting

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Finger Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Control Precision
• Visualization
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Extent Flexibility

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Perseverance
• Integrity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Achievement
• Relationships

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software

Tools & Equipment

• Adjustable gap spark testers
• Allen wrench sets
• Automatic center punches
• Ball peen hammers
• Battery terminal cleaners
• Bearing drivers
• Breaker bars
• Cam bearing plug gauges
• Camshaft bearing drivers
• Camshaft bearing pullers
• Carburetor pressure gauges
• Channel lock pliers
• Charging system testers
• Coil testers
• Combination pliers

Work Environment

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Spend Time Standing
• Contact With Others
• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
• Freedom to Make Decisions

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$33,600
Median	$46,560
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$64,540

Workers Employed Nationally: 34,240

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.