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Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $47,880/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$34,670$67,260

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.5% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 3,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Equipment MaintenanceRepairingTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingEquipment SelectionActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem Solving
Top knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingTransportationSales and MarketingComputers and Electronics
Core tasks

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.

Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics?

The median pay for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics is $47,880 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics?

Employment for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics is projected to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics?

About 3,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.