Career comparison
Appliance Repair Technician vs. Small Engine Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Appliance repair technicians earn more at the median ($50,990 vs. $47,880), while appliance repair technicians usually get to work faster (A few months to a year of training). Appliance repair technicians fix washers, dryers, refrigerators and ovens in people’s homes. Small engine mechanics repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Appliance Repair Technician | Small Engine Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,990 ($24.51/hr) | $47,880 ($23.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,190 – $80,660 | $34,670 – $67,260 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.9% (slower than average) | +2.3% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,800 | 3,800 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months to a year | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | EPA 608 certification | EETC certifications |
| Work setting | Technicians work in customers’ homes and drive between calls.. | Mechanics work in dealerships, repair shops, landscaping companies and rental centers. |
What each job does
Appliance Repair Technician
- Diagnose appliance problems
- Replace parts
- Repair refrigeration systems
- Read wiring diagrams
- Install appliances
Small Engine Mechanic
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, working independently, and problem-solving. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose appliance repair technician if…
- I like fixing things
- I like working on my own
- I like customers
Choose small engine mechanic if…
- I like taking engines apart and putting them back together
- I enjoy figuring out why something won’t run
- I don’t mind grease and fuel
Still torn? Take the Appliance Repair Technician fit quiz and the Small Engine Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, appliance repair technician or small engine mechanic?
Appliance Repair Technicians earn more at the median: $50,990 versus $47,880 for small engine mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Appliance Repair Technicians typically train faster (A few months to a year) than small engine mechanics (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects small engine mechanics to grow +2.3% from 2025–35, compared with +1.9% for appliance repair technicians.