Motorcycle Mechanic
Service and repair motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and other powersports vehicles.
- $48,580
- 9–15 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Small Engine Mechanic
Also called: Outdoor Power Equipment Technician · Lawn Mower Mechanic · Small Engine Technician · Power Equipment Mechanic
What small engine mechanics do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a small engine mechanic do?
Small engine mechanics inspect, maintain and repair outdoor power equipment and other small engines, such as lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, generators and utility vehicles. The median pay is $47,880 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months, and employment is projected to grow +2.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$47,880$23.02/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.3%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year3,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs38,300Employment, 2025
What small engine mechanics do
Small engine mechanics keep the equipment homeowners, landscapers and farms rely on running. They diagnose problems, rebuild carburetors, replace ignition parts, sharpen blades, repair drive systems and perform tune-ups on two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Battery-electric equipment is a growing part of the work.
Most mechanics learn on the job or in short technical programs, and many earn manufacturer or Equipment and Engine Training Council credentials. Work is busiest in spring and summer. It is a practical, hands-on trade with a low cost of entry and the option to run your own shop.
Typical duties
- Diagnose engine and equipment problems
- Perform tune-ups and preventive maintenance
- Rebuild or replace carburetors and fuel systems
- Repair ignition, starting and charging systems
- Service drive belts, transmissions and blades
- Repair battery-electric outdoor equipment
- Write up repairs and advise customers
Work environment and schedule
Mechanics work in dealerships, repair shops, landscaping companies and rental centers. Shops can be noisy and involve fuel and oil handling. Some mechanics make field service calls.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with long hours and Saturdays in spring and summer and slower periods in winter.
A day in the life
- Check in a commercial mower that won’t start and log the customer’s complaint.
- Test spark, compression and fuel delivery to find the fault.
- Clean and rebuild a carburetor clogged by old ethanol fuel.
- Replace the starter rope and recoil spring on a chainsaw.
See a full day in the life of a small engine mechanic →
Small Engine Mechanic salary
Half of small engine mechanics earned more than $47,880 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,670 for the lowest 10% to $67,260 for the top 10%.
Full small engine mechanic pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a small engine mechanic
- Get mechanical experience
- Train
- Earn certifications
- Build speed and diagnostics skills
- Grow
A high school diploma is typical. Many mechanics learn on the job; others complete short technical programs in small engine or power equipment repair. Manufacturer training keeps skills current.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a small engine mechanic →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Two- and four-stroke engine repair
- Carburetor and fuel system service
- Ignition troubleshooting
- Drive system repair
- Battery equipment diagnostics
People skills
- Customer service
- Problem solving
- Patience
- Time management
All small engine mechanic skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy entry with short training
- Hands-on problem solving
- Option to start your own shop
- Steady local demand
Cons
- Seasonal swings in workload
- Pay is modest at entry level
- Grease, fuel and noise
- Customers sometimes expect quick, cheap fixes
Certifications and licenses
- EETC certifications: Equipment and Engine Training Council tests in two-stroke, four-stroke and electrical systems.
- Manufacturer certifications: Training from brands such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Stihl or Husqvarna.
- EPA 608 or emissions awareness: Training for refrigerant and emissions rules on some equipment.
- Small business training: Helpful for mechanics who plan to run their own shop.
Career path
- Shop Helper: Clean, assemble and do basic service.
- Small Engine Mechanic: Diagnose and repair equipment.
- Lead Technician or Service Writer: Handle complex repairs and customer estimates.
- Service Manager or Shop Owner: Run a service department or business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Small Engine Mechanic training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as diagnose an engine that won’t start and clean a carburetor, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
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Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
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Farm Equipment Mechanic
Repair and maintain tractors, combines and precision farm equipment.
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Plant, mow, trim and care for lawns, gardens and outdoor spaces.
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Compare: Small Engine Mechanic vs. Motorcycle Mechanic · Small Engine Mechanic vs. Auto Technician · Small Engine Mechanic vs. Farm Equipment Mechanic · Small Engine Mechanic vs. Landscaper
Small Engine Mechanic FAQ
How long does it take to become a small engine mechanic?
Many learn in a few months on the job or through a short technical program.
Is small engine repair seasonal?
Yes. Spring and summer are busiest, though generators and snow equipment add winter work in some areas.
Can I start my own small engine shop?
Yes. It has relatively low startup costs, especially for mobile repair.
How much does a small engine mechanic make?
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $47,880 ($23.02 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,670 and the highest 10% earned more than $67,260.
How long does it take to become a small engine mechanic?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Many mechanics learn on the job; others complete short technical programs in small engine or power equipment repair. Manufacturer training keeps skills current.
Do you need a degree to be a small engine mechanic?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More small engine mechanic questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3053 (Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.