Small Engine Mechanics: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- 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.
- Training Required
- 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 mechanics specialization and ability.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- 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 mechanics competence and usually brings higher pay.
- Median pay: How much do Small Engine Mechanics make?
- $35,280 Annual Salary
- $16.96 per hour
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.
What do Small Engine Mechanics do?
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:
Careers for Small Engine Mechanics
- ATV technicians
- All terrain vehicle technicians
- Certified marine mechanics
- Chain saw mechanics
- Edge trimmer mechanics
- Electric golf cart repairers
- Electric wheelchair repairers
- Go-cart mechanics
- Golf cart mechanics
- Lawn mower repairers
- Marine equipment mechanics
- Marine propulsion technicians
- Marine technicians
- Mechanics and repairers
- Mobility scooter repairers
- Motor scooter mechanics
- Motorboat mechanics
- Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
- Motorcycle mechanics
- Motorcycle repairers
- Motorcycle service technicians
- Motorcycle technicians
- Outboard motor mechanics
- Outboard technicians
- Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
- Outdoor power equipment mechanics
- Power saw mechanics
- Power wheelchair mechanics
- Scooter mechanics
- Service technicians, small engine
- Snowblower mechanics
- Snowmobile mechanics
- Two-stroke engine mechanics