Small engine mechanics repair and service power equipment ranging from jet skis to chainsaws. Mechanics usually specialize in the service and repair of one type of equipment, such as motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment, although they may work on closely related products.
When a piece of equipment breaks down, mechanics use various techniques to diagnose the source and extent of the problem. The mark of a skilled mechanic is the ability to diagnose mechanical, fuel, and electrical problems and to make repairs quickly. Quick and accurate diagnosis requires problem-solving ability and a thorough knowledge of the equipment's operation.
Some jobs require minor adjustments or the replacement of a single item, but a complete engine overhaul could require hours to disassemble the engine and replace worn valves, pistons, bearings, and other internal parts. Some highly skilled mechanics use specialized components and the latest computerized equipment to customize and tune motorcycles and motorboats for racing.
Hand tools are the most important work-related possessions of mechanics. Small engine mechanics use wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers on a regular basis. Mechanics usually provide their own tools, although employers will furnish expensive power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment. Computerized engine analyzers, compression gauges, ammeters and voltmeters, and other testing devices help mechanics locate faulty parts and tune engines. This equipment provides a systematic performance report of various components to compare against normal ratings. After pinpointing the problem, the mechanic makes the needed adjustments, repairs, or replacements.
Small engines also require periodic service to minimize the chance of breakdowns and to keep them operating at peak performance. During routine maintenance, mechanics follow a checklist that includes the inspection and cleaning of brakes, electrical systems, fuel injection systems, plugs, carburetors, and other parts. Following inspection, mechanics usually repair or adjust parts that do not work properly or replace unfixable parts.
Motorcycle mechanics specialize in the repair and overhaul of motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Besides repairing engines, they may work on transmissions, brakes, and ignition systems and make minor body repairs. Mechanics often service just a few makes and models of motorcycles because most work for dealers that service only the products they sell.
Motorboat mechanics and marine equipment mechanics repair and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines. Most small boats have portable outboard engines that are removed and brought into the repair shop. Larger craft, such as cabin cruisers and commercial fishing boats, are powered by diesel or gasoline inboard or inboard-outboard engines, which are removed only for major overhauls. Most of these repairs, therefore, are performed at docks or marinas. Motorboat mechanics also may work on propellers, steering mechanisms, marine plumbing, and other boat equipment.
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service and repair outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, edge trimmers, and chain saws. They also may occasionally work on portable generators and go-carts. In addition, small engine mechanics in certain parts of the country may work on snowblowers and snowmobiles, but demand for this type of repair is both seasonal and regional.
Work Environment
Small engine mechanics held about 69,000 jobs in 2020. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up small engine mechanics was distributed as follows:
- Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics - 33,300
- Motorboat mechanics and service technicians - 21,700
- Motorcycle mechanics - 14,000
The largest employers of small engine mechanics were as follows:
- Motor vehicle and parts dealers - 34%
- Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores - 14%
- Repair and maintenance - 12%
- Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries - 9%
- Self-employed workers - 4%
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. 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.
Education & Training Required
Employers prefer to hire high school graduates for trainee mechanic positions, but many will accept applicants with less education if they possess adequate reading, writing, and math skills. Helpful high school courses include small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science, and business math. Many equipment dealers employ high school students part time and during the summer to help assemble new equipment and perform minor repairs.
Once employed, trainees learn routine service tasks under the guidance of experienced mechanics by replacing ignition points and spark plugs or by taking apart, assembling, and testing new equipment. As they gain experience and proficiency, trainees progress to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Anywhere from several months to 3 years of on-the-job training may be necessary before a novice worker becomes competent in all aspects of the repair of motorcycle and motorboat engines. Repair of outdoor equipment, because of fewer moving parts, requires less on-the-job training.
A growing number of motorcycle and marine equipment mechanics graduate from formal motorcycle and motorboat postsecondary programs. Employers prefer to hire these workers for their advanced knowledge of small engine repair. These workers also need far less on-the-job training and tend to advance quickly to more demanding small engine repair jobs.
Employers often send mechanics and trainees to courses conducted by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers or distributors. These courses, which can last up to 2 weeks, upgrade workers' skills and provide information on repairing new models. Manufacturer classes are usually a prerequisite for any mechanic who performs warranty work for manufacturers or insurance companies.
Other Skills Required
For trainee jobs, employers hire people with mechanical aptitude who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of small engines. Many trainees get their start by working on automobiles, motorcycles, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment as a hobby. Knowledge of basic electronics is essential because many parts of small vehicles and engines are electric.
How to Advance
The skills needed for small engine repair can transfer to other occupations, such as automobile, diesel, or heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics. Experienced mechanics with leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager jobs. Mechanics with sales ability sometimes become sales representatives or open their own repair shops or dealerships.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 8,600 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
Much of the projected employment growth in these occupations is due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession that began in 2020.
Boat engines, as well as engines and parts for outdoor power equipment, have become more efficient—but also more sophisticated. Thus, maintaining and repairing these engines and parts will require more workers.
Motorcycle mechanics adept at repairing electric motorcycles, new to the commercial market, may see increasing opportunities over the decade.
Mechanics who work on outdoor power equipment and other small engines will continue to be in demand because of the widespread use of these engines in gardening, tree work, landscape construction, and similar activities.
Earnings
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $39,050 in May 2021. 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 $28,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,280.
Median annual wages for small engine mechanics in May 2021 were as follows:
- Motorboat mechanics and service technicians - $46,730
- Motorcycle mechanics - $38,170
- Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics - $37,540
In May 2021, the median annual wages for small engine mechanics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries - $46,110
- Motor vehicle and parts dealers - $39,230
- Repair and maintenance - $38,890
- Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores - $36,780
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 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.
