Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Outdoor power equipment mechanics diagnose and repair small engines found in lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf blowers, and similar tools. They work in repair shops, equipment dealerships, or service departments, performing tasks like engine tune-ups, component replacement, and troubleshooting mechanical problems to restore equipment to working condition.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves customers bringing in equipment with various problems. Mechanics inspect engines, test performance, identify issues, and perform repairs ranging from spark plug replacement to engine overhaul. Work includes using hand tools and diagnostic equipment, consulting service manuals, ordering parts, and documenting completed repairs. Most time is spent in a shop or at a workbench.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You like working with your hands and solving practical problems with machines. You prefer jobs with clear procedures and measurable results—an engine either runs or it doesn't—and you're comfortable learning equipment systems through hands-on experience and technical manuals rather than abstract theory.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $48,820 | $60,190 | $65,300 | 50 |
| Hawaii | $47,150 | $58,110 | $64,680 | 210 |
| Massachusetts | $49,920 | $57,830 | $62,390 | 800 |
| New Hampshire | $49,920 | $57,610 | $65,450 | 210 |
| Nevada | $39,120 | $56,750 | $68,410 | 170 |
| Connecticut | $50,400 | $56,680 | $66,560 | 560 |
| Minnesota | $48,770 | $55,990 | $62,670 | 630 |
| Idaho | $47,430 | $55,320 | $62,010 | 190 |
| Missouri | $46,000 | $55,120 | $59,990 | 690 |
| Delaware | $45,970 | $54,230 | $61,340 | 80 |
| Washington | $46,550 | $53,990 | $64,160 | 590 |
| Colorado | $46,730 | $52,620 | $62,400 | 690 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Principles of Small Engine Technology (PSET) — Equipment & Engine Training Council
- Four Stroke Engine Certification Test — Equipment & Engine Training Council
- Two Stroke Engine Certification Test — Equipment & Engine Training Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-3053.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.