Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Also called: Small Engine Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Also called: Chain Saw Mechanic, Chainsaw Technician, Edge Trimmer Mechanic, Electric Golf Cart Repairer, Electric Wheelchair Repairer, Engine Mechanic
Median pay
$47,880
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,670 – $67,260
People employed
36,060
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics salary in every state →
What outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics do
- 01Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- 02Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
- 03Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
- 04Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
- 05Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
- 06Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers85% · +12%
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers83% · +17%
- Home Appliance Repairers81% · +6%
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics79% · +35%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery79% · +27%
Change into outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Home Appliance Repairers84% · $50,990
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers79% · $56,210
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers77% · $39,630
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation76% · $92,100
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants75% · $35,670
Majors that lead here
- Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.