Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

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.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Small engine mechanics frequently discuss problems and necessary repairs with their customers. They must be courteous, be good listeners, and always remain ready to answer customers’ questions.

Detail oriented. Small engine mechanics must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes.

Dexterity. Small engine mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools.

Mechanical skills. Small engine mechanics must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often disassemble major parts for repairs, and they must be able to put them back together properly.

Organizational skills. Small engine mechanics keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability for parts.

Troubleshooting skills. Small engine mechanics use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components to identify and fix problems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		82%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		78%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		78%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		73%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		72%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		71%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		71%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		70%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		68%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		67%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		65%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		60%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		58%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		56%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		54%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		61%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
		61%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		72%	Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
		69%	Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
		63%	Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
		60%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
		56%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		56%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		56%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		53%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		53%	Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
		53%	Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		52%	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
		52%	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
		52%	Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Maintain work equipment or machinery.

Repair defective engines or engine components.

Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.

Reassemble equipment after repair.

Maintain repair or maintenance records.

Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.

Service vehicles to maintain functionality.

Estimate costs for labor or materials.

Confer with customers or users to assess problems.

Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.

Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Sell products or services.

Train customers in the use of products.

Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.

Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.

Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Grind parts to required dimensions.

Bolt objects into place.

Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.

Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		91%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		87%	Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing?
		86%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		85%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		85%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		84%	Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
		83%	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment - How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
		80%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		80%	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
		78%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		73%	In an Open Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
		71%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		69%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		68%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		67%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		67%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		65%	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
		64%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		61%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		57%	Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
		54%	Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling - How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
		54%	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body - How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
		53%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		53%	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings - How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
		53%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		52%	Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running?
		52%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		81%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		91%	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
		85%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		76%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		75%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		75%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		73%	Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
		72%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		69%	Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
		68%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		67%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		67%	Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
		66%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		65%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		62%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		61%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		61%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		60%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		58%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		57%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		56%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		56%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		54%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

What Small Engine Mechanics Do

Motorcycle mechanics specialize in working on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles.

Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment. Mechanics often specialize in one type of equipment, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment.

Duties

Small engine mechanics typically do the following:

Discuss equipment issues, maintenance plans, and work performed with customers
Perform routine engine maintenance, such as lubricating parts and replacing spark plugs
Test and inspect engines for malfunctioning parts
Adjust components according to specifications
Repair or replace worn, defective, or broken parts
Reassemble and reinstall components and engines following repairs
Keep records of inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used

Small engine mechanics work on power equipment ranging from snowmobiles to chain saws. When equipment breaks down, mechanics use many strategies to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. Small engine mechanics identify mechanical, electrical, and fuel system problems and make necessary repairs.

Mechanics’ tasks vary in complexity and difficulty. Maintenance inspections and repairs, for example, involve minor adjustments or the replacement of a single part. Hand calibration, piston calibration, and spark plug replacement, however, may require taking an engine apart completely. Some mechanics use computerized equipment to tune racing motorcycles and motorboats.

Mechanics use a variety of hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, for many common tasks. Some mechanics also may use compression gauges, ammeters, and voltmeters to test engine performance. For more complicated procedures, they commonly use pneumatic tools, which are powered by compressed air, or diagnostic equipment.

Although employers usually provide the more expensive tools and testing equipment, some mechanics may be required to use their own hand tools. Some mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their tool collections.

The following are examples of types of small engine mechanics:

Motorboat mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines. Most of their work, whether on small outboard engines or large diesel-powered inboard motors, is performed at docks and marinas where the repair shop is located. Motorboat mechanics also may work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.

Motorcycle mechanics specialize in working on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. They service engines, transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs, among other tasks. Most work for dealerships, servicing and repairing specific makes and models.

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, edge trimmers, garden tractors, and portable generators. Some mechanics may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles, but this work is highly seasonal and regional.

Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on automobiles are described in the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.

Technicians who work primarily on large trucks and buses are described in the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.

Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars are described in the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.

Work Environment

Small engine mechanics held about 88,000 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up small engine mechanics was distributed as follows:

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics	41,600
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians	29,300
Motorcycle mechanics	17,100

The largest employers of small engine mechanics were as follows:

Other motor vehicle dealers	27%
Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers	14
Self-employed workers	13
Repair and maintenance	12
Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries	10

Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. When repairing onboard engines, motorboat mechanics may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.

Work Schedules

Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours fluctuate.

Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to motorboats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some may work only part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.

Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as rebuilding engines, during the off-season.

Getting Started

Education:

48%

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

27%

Some College Courses

How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic

Many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.

Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.

Education

Motorboat and outdoor power equipment mechanics typically begin work with a high school diploma and learn on the job, although some of them seek postsecondary education. High school or vocational school courses in small engine repair and automobile mechanics are often beneficial.

Motorcycle mechanics typically complete postsecondary education programs in motorcycle repair, and employers prefer to hire these workers because they usually require less on-the-job training.

Training

Trainees work closely with experienced mechanics while learning basic tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or disassembling engine components. As they gain experience, trainees move on to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Achieving competency may take anywhere from several months to 3 years, depending on a mechanic’s specialization and ability.

Because of the increased complexity of boat and motorcycle engines, motorcycle and motorboat mechanics who do not complete postsecondary education often need more on-the-job training than that needed by outdoor power equipment mechanics.

Employers frequently send mechanics to training courses run by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and dealers. These courses teach mechanics the most up-to-date technology and techniques. Often, such courses are a prerequisite to performing warranty and manufacturer-specific work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Many motorboat and motorcycle manufacturers offer certification specific to their own models, and certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the recognized industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a mechanic’s competence and usually brings higher pay.

Motorcycle mechanics usually need a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 9,000 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of small engine mechanics varies by occupation (see table).

Increased demand for motorboats and motorcycles, as well as for outdoor power equipment, is expected to create jobs for small engine mechanics over the projections decade. In addition, boat and motorcycle engines, as well as engines and parts for outdoor power equipment, have become more sophisticated, which should create demand for small engine mechanics who can fix and maintain them.

However, electric-powered small engines, such as those in lawn mowers and chain saws, may require less routine maintenance and repair services than traditional engines, which might reduce demand for some of these workers.

Contacts for More Information

For more information on outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and training programs, visit

Equipment & Engine Training Council

To learn about job opportunities for small engine mechanics, contact local motorcycle, motorboat, and lawn and garden equipment dealers; boatyards; and marinas. Local offices of the state employment service also may have information about employment and training opportunities.

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of small engine mechanics.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$46,970
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.	High school diploma or equivalent	$54,360
Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians	Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.	High school diploma or equivalent	$58,350

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Small Engine Mechanic

What they do:

On the job, you would: