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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
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Median pay

$46,560
Median annual pay for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

36,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Transportation

Abilities

  1. 1Finger Dexterity
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Visualization

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  2. 2Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Exposed to Contaminants

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyIdeal Computer Systems Ideal OPELand & Sea DYNO-MAXRepairTRAXSale processing softwareSmart Equipment RepairVersaDyne small engine test systemWeb browser software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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