Outdoor Power Equipment & Other Small Engine Mechanics

Also called: Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech), Small Engine Mechanic

In the Air Force: Aerospace Ground Equipment; Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman; Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman; Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice; Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice, F101, F110, F118, TF34 Jet Engines (A-10, B-1, B-2, F-16, U-2 aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice, Turboprop andTurboshaft Propulsion (helicopter, propeller, tiltrotor aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, Turboprop andTurboshaft Propulsion (helicopter, propeller, tiltrotor aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Helper, F100, F119, F135Jet Engines (F-15, F16, F-22 aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Helper, Turboprop andTurboshaft Propulsion (helicopter, propeller, tiltrotor aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman, TF33, CF6, F103, F108, F117, TFE-731, TF39, PW 2040, F138 Jet Engines (Airlift, Special Mission, and B-52 aircraft); Aerospace Propulsion Superintendent

In the Army: Aircraft Powertrain Repairer; Automatic Test Systems Operator/Maintainer; Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer; Construction Equipment Repairer; Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer; STRYKER Systems Maintainer; Self Propelled Artillery Systems Maintainer; Senior Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer/Senior Ordnance Logistics Warrant Officer; Tactical Power Generation Specialist; Tracked Vehicle Repairer; Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

In the Coast Guard: Aviation Maintenance Technician; Damage Controlman; Gunner's Mate; Machinery Technician; Marine Safety Specialist Deck; Marine Safety Specialist Engineer; Material Maintenance Specialty; Naval Engineering Specialty

In the Marine Corps: Artillery Systems Technician; Mobile Facility Technician; Small Arms Repairer/Technician; Small Craft Mechanic; Support Equipment Electrician/Refrigeration and Engine/Gas Turbine Technician

In the Navy: Aviation Support Equipment Technician; Construction Mechanic; Expeditionary Force - Unmanned Systems (Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)/Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)/USG) Maintenance; General Dynamics (GD) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Core Crew Mission Specialist; LCAC Craft Engineer/Assistant Operator; LCAC Deck Engineer; Lockheed Martin (LM) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Core Crew Mission Specialist; Outboard Engine Maintenance Technician

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Mechanical know-how, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to diagnose engine problems are some of the important qualities held by small engine mechanics. These workers inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment— usually specializing in one type, such as motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment. The repairs they work on can range greatly in complexity— from replacing a single part to rebuilding an engine. They work on all types of problems— fuel system, mechanical, and electrical. Small engine mechanics use both computerized and pneumatic equipment, and also a variety of hand tools— which they usually own themselves. Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops— from marina docks to the back of a hardware store. When breakdowns happen, they may make onsite repair calls in all kinds of weather. Although most work full time, spring and summer are the busiest work seasons for these mechanics, and many work overtime to keep up with demand. Winter work hours may be shorter. Employers include motorcycle, boat, and other motor vehicle dealers, lawn and garden equipment stores, and household goods repair and maintenance services. Small engine mechanics usually have a high school diploma or certificate and develop their skills through on-the-job training. It takes mechanics anywhere from several months to several years to become fully proficient. Employers increasingly prefer to hire mechanics with technical training.

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Personality

Technology

Education

high school diploma/GED or
some college
usually needed

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

$37,540

$28,120

$58,150

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