Career comparison
Small Engine Mechanic vs. Tire Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Small engine mechanics earn more at the median ($47,880 vs. $37,710), while tire technicians usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Small engine mechanics repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment. Tire technicians mount, balance and repair tires on cars, trucks and equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Small Engine Mechanic | Tire Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,880 ($23.02/hr) | $37,710 ($18.13/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $34,670 – $67,260 | $30,010 – $50,230 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.3% (slower than average) | +3.4% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 3,800 | 12,900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months | A few weeks on the job |
| Key credential | EETC certifications | TIA ATS certification |
| Work setting | Mechanics work in dealerships, repair shops, landscaping companies and rental centers. | Technicians work in tire shops, dealerships and on the road.. |
What each job does
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
Tire Technician
- Mount and dismount tires
- Balance wheels
- Repair punctures
- Rotate tires
- Check tread and pressure
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and indoor work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
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
Choose tire technician if…
- I like hands-on work
- I’m strong and active
- I want short training
Still torn? Take the Small Engine Mechanic fit quiz and the Tire Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, small engine mechanic or tire technician?
Small Engine Mechanics earn more at the median: $47,880 versus $37,710 for tire technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Tire Technicians typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than small engine mechanics (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects tire technicians to grow +3.4% from 2025–35, compared with +2.3% for small engine mechanics.