Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn a median of $47,880 per year ($23.02/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 2.3% through 2035, with about 3,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 49-3053
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $47,880a year, or $23.02/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $35KTop 10% $67K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.3%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,80038,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202538.3K
- Projected 203539.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 38.3K Projected 2035 39.2K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school12.2%
- High school48.1%
- Certificate12.5%
- Some college27.3%
Highest education held by outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics Segment Value Less than high school 12.2% High school 48.1% Certificate 12.5% Some college 27.3%
Also advertised as: Chainsaw Technician, Golf Cart Mechanic, Lawnmower Repair Mechanic, Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech).
Pay
How much do Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics make?
Every outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$47,880
Middle half earn $40,670 to $58,560
- 10th
- $34,670
- 25th
- $40,670
- 75th
- $58,560
- 90th
- $67,260
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $34,670 |
| 25th | $40,670 |
| Median | $47,880 |
| 75th | $58,560 |
| 90th | $67,260 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $47,880
- Median hourly wage
- $23.02/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $49,990
- People employed
- 36,060
Versus all US occupations
At $47,880, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn 6% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $3,100 a year.
Versus installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
Inside the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair group, where the middle occupation pays $61,150, this is 22% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $67,260 or more while the bottom 10% earn $34,670, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 17% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Alaska posts the highest raw median ($60,190), but once local prices are taken into account Missouri leads at $60,693 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Alaska | $60,190 | $58,803 | 50 |
| 2Hawaii | $58,110 | $52,851 | 210 |
| 3Massachusetts | $57,830 | $54,682 | 800 |
| 4New Hampshire | $57,610 | $55,306 | 210 |
| 5Nevada | $56,750 | $56,762 | 170 |
| 6Connecticut | $56,680 | $54,705 | 560 |
| 7Minnesota | $55,990 | $56,773 | 630 |
| 8Idaho | $55,320 | $57,930 | 190 |
| 9Missouri | $55,120 | $60,693 | 690 |
| 10Delaware | $54,230 | $54,334 | 80 |
Job outlook
Is Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +2.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | +2.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics to change 2.3% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 900 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,800 openings are projected each year, 9.9% of the 38,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of small engine mechanics varies by occupation (see table).
Increased demand for motorboats, as well as for outdoor power equipment, is expected to create jobs for small engine mechanics over the projections decade. In addition, boat and motorcycle engines, as well as engines and parts for outdoor power equipment, have become more sophisticated, which is expected to create demand for small engine mechanics who can fix and maintain them.
Getting in
How to become an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48.1%
- Some College Courses27.3%
- Post-Secondary Certificate12.5%
- Less than a High School Diploma12.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 48.1% |
| Some College Courses | 27.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 12.5% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 12.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic do?
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment. Mechanics often specialize in one type of equipment, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment.
Day-to-day tasks
- Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
- Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
- Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
- Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
- Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
- Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
- Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours fluctuate.
Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to motorboats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some may work only part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Active Listening3.1
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Speaking2.9
- Monitoring2.9
- Active Learning2.8
- Writing2.6
- Learning Strategies2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.6 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Equipment Maintenance3.9
- Repairing3.9
- Troubleshooting3.8
- Operations Monitoring3.4
- Equipment Selection3.3
- Operation and Control3.3
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.9 |
| Repairing | 3.9 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.8 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Equipment Selection | 3.3 |
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Internet browser software
- Point of sale POS software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional4.0
- Investigative2.5
- Enterprising1.3
- Social1.2
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic
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- Production
More installation, maintenance, and repair careers
Median annual pay, with outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics highlighted
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870
- Millwright$65,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic$64,520
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist$61,770
- Medical Equipment Repairer$61,660
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer$61,010
- Automotive Body and Related Repairer$54,890
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic$50,620
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic$47,880
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79,870 |
| Millwright | $65,700 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $64,520 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist | $61,770 |
| Medical Equipment Repairer | $61,660 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer | $61,010 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairer | $54,890 |
| Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic | $50,620 |
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic | $47,880 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic appears on
Questions
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic: frequently asked questions
How much do Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics make?
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn a median of $47,880 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 6% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.02/hr. The middle half earn between $40,670 and $58,560. The top 10% earn $67,260 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 48.1% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 2.3% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic do?
Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment. A core O*NET task: test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments. Employers most often ask for Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics the most?
The highest state medians for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics are Alaska ($60,190), Hawaii ($58,110), Massachusetts ($57,830) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Missouri moves to the top at $60,693.
What personality type suits an Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic?
O*NET scores Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.