Career comparison
Farm Equipment Mechanic vs. Small Engine Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Farm equipment mechanics earn more at the median ($56,550 vs. $47,880), while small engine mechanics usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Farm equipment mechanics repair and maintain tractors, combines and precision farm equipment. 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
| Farm Equipment Mechanic | Small Engine Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $56,550 ($27.19/hr) | $47,880 ($23.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,470 – $78,740 | $34,670 – $67,260 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.7% (much faster than average) | +2.3% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 3,700 | 3,800 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–2 years | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | Dealer technician programs | EETC certifications |
| Work setting | Mechanics work in dealer shops and in the field at farms, in all weather.. | Mechanics work in dealerships, repair shops, landscaping companies and rental centers. |
What each job does
Farm Equipment Mechanic
- Diagnose equipment problems
- Repair engines and drivetrains
- Repair hydraulic systems
- Troubleshoot electronics and GPS
- Perform preventive maintenance
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, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. They sit in different fields, agriculture, landscaping & animal care and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem solving and customer service.
Which should you choose?
Choose farm equipment mechanic if…
- I love farm machinery
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I like electronics and mechanics
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 Farm Equipment Mechanic fit quiz and the Small Engine Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, farm equipment mechanic or small engine mechanic?
Farm Equipment Mechanics earn more at the median: $56,550 versus $47,880 for small engine mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Small Engine Mechanics typically train faster (3–12 months) than farm equipment mechanics (1–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects farm equipment mechanics to grow +10.7% from 2025–35, compared with +2.3% for small engine mechanics.