### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Small Engine Mechanics Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			small engine mechanics imageSmall engine mechanics test and inspect engines for malfunctioning parts.							
						Quick Facts:     Small Engine Mechanics2023     Median Pay
            						$46,500     per year
										$22.36     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    88,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    3% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,500What Small Engine Mechanics Do
                                                
                        
                        
Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. Although most work full time, seasonal workers often see their hours fluctuate. Workers frequently are busiest during the spring and summer, when equipment use is the highest.
            
                                                How to Become a 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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $46,500 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of small engine mechanics is projected to grow							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 9,000 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Small Engine Mechanics Do 
            

			Small engine mechanicsMotorcycle mechanics specialize in working on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles.			
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.
Duties
Small engine mechanics typically do the following:
Discuss equipment issues, maintenance plans, and work performed with customers
Perform routine engine maintenance, such as lubricating parts and replacing spark plugs
Test and inspect engines for malfunctioning parts
Adjust components according to specifications
Repair or replace worn, defective, or broken parts
Reassemble and reinstall components and engines following repairs
Keep records of inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used
Small engine mechanics work on power equipment ranging from snowmobiles to chain saws. When equipment breaks down, mechanics use many strategies to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. Small engine mechanics identify mechanical, electrical, and fuel system problems and make necessary repairs.
Mechanics’ tasks vary in complexity and difficulty. Maintenance inspections and repairs, for example, involve minor adjustments or the replacement of a single part. Hand calibration, piston calibration, and spark plug replacement, however, may require taking an engine apart completely. Some mechanics use computerized equipment to tune racing motorcycles and motorboats.
Mechanics use a variety of hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, for many common tasks. Some mechanics also may use compression gauges, ammeters, and voltmeters to test engine performance. For more complicated procedures, they commonly use pneumatic tools, which are powered by compressed air, or diagnostic equipment.
Although employers usually provide the more expensive tools and testing equipment, some mechanics may be required to use their own hand tools. Some mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their tool collections.
The following are examples of types of small engine mechanics:
***Motorboat mechanics and service technicians*** maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines. Most of their work, whether on small outboard engines or large diesel-powered inboard motors, is performed at docks and marinas where the repair shop is located. Motorboat mechanics also may work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.
***Motorcycle mechanics*** specialize in working on motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. They service engines, transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs, among other tasks. Most work for dealerships, servicing and repairing specific makes and models.
***Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics*** service and repair outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, edge trimmers, garden tractors, and portable generators. Some mechanics may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles, but this work is highly seasonal and regional.
Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on automobiles are described in the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Technicians who work primarily on large trucks and buses are described in the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Technicians and mechanics who work primarily on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars are described in the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.
 Work Environment
			Small engine mechanicsMotorboat mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Small engine mechanics held about 88,000 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up small engine mechanics was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
                41,600Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
                29,300Motorcycle mechanics
                17,100The largest employers of small engine mechanics were as follows:
        Other motor vehicle dealers
                27%Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers
                14Self-employed workers
                13Repair and maintenance
                12Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries
                10Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. When repairing onboard engines, motorboat mechanics may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
Work Schedules
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.
Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
 How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic

			Small engine mechanicsMany tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.			
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.
Education
Motorboat and outdoor power equipment mechanics typically begin work with a high school diploma and learn on the job, although some of them seek postsecondary education. High school or vocational school courses in small engine repair and automobile mechanics are often beneficial.
Motorcycle mechanics typically complete postsecondary education programs in motorcycle repair, and employers prefer to hire these workers because they usually require less on-the-job training.
Training
Trainees work closely with experienced mechanics while learning basic tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or disassembling engine components. As they gain experience, trainees move on to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Achieving competency may take anywhere from several months to 3 years, depending on a mechanic’s specialization and ability.
Because of the increased complexity of boat and motorcycle engines, motorcycle and motorboat mechanics who do not complete postsecondary education often need more on-the-job training than that needed by outdoor power equipment mechanics.
Employers frequently send mechanics to training courses run by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and dealers. These courses teach mechanics the most up-to-date technology and techniques. Often, such courses are a prerequisite to performing warranty and manufacturer-specific work.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Many motorboat and motorcycle manufacturers offer certification specific to their own models, and certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the recognized industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a mechanic’s competence and usually brings higher pay.
Motorcycle mechanics usually need a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Important Qualities
***Customer-service skills.*** Small engine mechanics frequently discuss problems and necessary repairs with their customers. They must be courteous, be good listeners, and always remain ready to answer customers’ questions.
***Detail oriented.*** Small engine mechanics must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes.
***Dexterity.*** Small engine mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools.
***Mechanical skills.*** Small engine mechanics must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often disassemble major parts for repairs, and they must be able to put them back together properly.
***Organizational skills.*** Small engine mechanics keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability for parts.
***Troubleshooting skills.*** Small engine mechanics use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components to identify and fix problems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Small Engine MechanicsMedian annual wages, May 2023Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers$50,790  Total, all occupations$48,060  Small engine mechanics$46,500Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $46,500 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,600.

			
                    	Median annual wages for small engine mechanics in May 2023 were as follows:
        Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
		$49,990Motorcycle mechanics
		46,270Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
		44,140In May 2023, the median annual wages for small engine mechanics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries
                $48,370Repair and maintenance
                47,240Other motor vehicle dealers
                46,570Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers
                40,980Most 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 boats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some mechanics may work only part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.
Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Small Engine MechanicsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Small engine mechanics3%  Total, all occupations3%  Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of small engine mechanics is projected to grow				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 9,000 openings for small engine mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 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.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of small engine mechanics varies by occupation (see table).
Increased demand for motorboats and motorcycles, 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 should create demand for small engine mechanics who can fix and maintain them.
However, electric-powered small engines, such as those in lawn mowers and chain saws, may require less routine maintenance and repair services than traditional engines, which might reduce demand for some of these workers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     small engine mechanics, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Small engine mechanics**
			49-3050
			88,000
			90,500
			3
			2,500
			Get data**Motorboat mechanics and service technicians**
			49-3051
			29,300
			31,000
			6
			1,700
			Get data**Motorcycle mechanics**
			49-3052
			17,100
			17,400
			2
			300
			Get data**Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics**
			49-3053
			41,600
			42,100
			1
			500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
					Motorcycle mechanics
					Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of small engine mechanics. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $47,770**Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,970**Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians**
            Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,000
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information on outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and training programs, visit
Equipment & Engine Training Council
To learn about job opportunities for small engine mechanics, contact local motorcycle, motorboat, and lawn and garden equipment dealers; boatyards; and marinas. Local offices of the state employment service also may have information about employment and training opportunities.

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Motorboat Mechanics and Service TechniciansMotorcycle MechanicsOutdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Small Engine Mechanics, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/small-engine-mechanics.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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