Occupation salary profile

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

SOC 49-3053 BLS OEWS May 2025

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

National median · BLS
$47,880
▲ +2.84% YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$49,990
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
36,060
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.

Percentile All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay$34,670
25th$40,670
Median (50th)$47,880
75th$58,560
90th — top pay$67,260

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Based on hrs/week × weeks/year = 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035

Job outlook for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

BLS projects employment of outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics to grow 2.3% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 3,800 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.

Jobs 2025 → 2035
38,300 → 39,200
+900 jobs
Projected change
+2.3%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
3,800
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
7.2% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Fastest-growing jobs → Best-paying jobs that need a high school diploma →

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035 · BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook →

Skills & tools

Skills needed for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.

Top skills
  • Equipment Maintenance3.9
  • Repairing3.9
  • Troubleshooting3.8
  • Operations Monitoring3.4
  • Critical Thinking3.3
  • Equipment Selection3.3
  • Operation and Control3.3
  • Active Listening3.1
  • Quality Control Analysis3.1
  • Complex Problem Solving3.0
Top knowledge areas
  • Mechanical4.3
  • Customer and Personal Service3.5
  • English Language3.4
  • Engineering and Technology3.2
  • Education and Training3.2
  • Transportation3.1
  • Sales and Marketing3.1
  • Computers and Electronics3.0
Software and technology used
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareIdeal Computer Systems Ideal OPELand & Sea DYNO-MAXRepairTRAXSale processing softwareSmart Equipment RepairVersaDyne small engine test systemWeb browser software

Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

About the job

What outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics do

  • Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
  • Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
  • Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
  • 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.
Also called
MechanicOutdoor Power Equipment Service TechnicianService Technician (Service Tech)Small Engine MechanicChainsaw TechnicianGolf Cart MechanicLawnmower Repair MechanicShop MechanicSmall Engine Technician (Small Engine Tech)
More job titles for this occupation (37)
Chain Saw MechanicEdge Trimmer MechanicElectric Golf Cart RepairerElectric Wheelchair RepairerEngine MechanicEngine Service RepairerEngine SpecialistGarden Equipment MechanicGarden Implement MechanicGarden Machinery MechanicGarden Tractor MechanicGas Engine MechanicGas Engine RepairerGas Golf Cart RepairerGenerator Technician (Generator Tech)Go-Cart MechanicGolf Course MechanicJet Ski MechanicLawn Mower MechanicLawn Mower RepairerMagneto RepairerMobile MechanicMobility Scooter RepairerModel Engine MechanicOutdoor Power Equipment Mechanic (OPE Mechanic)Power Generation Technician (Power Generation Tech)Power Saw MechanicPower Technician (Power Tech)Power Wheelchair MechanicProduction Engine RepairerRepair Technician (Repair Tech)Service Engine RepairerSmall Engine Repair Tech (Small Engine Repair Technician)Small Engine SpecialistSnowblower MechanicSnowmobile MechanicVehicle Mechanic

Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.