Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding, using, maintaining, or repairing machines, tools, equipment, and mechanical systems.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $49,710 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,700 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $49,710 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,700 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,700 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Small engine mechanics inspect, service, and repair motorized power equipment.
Work Environment
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. Although most work full time, seasonal workers often see their hours fluctuate. Workers frequently are busiest during the spring and summer, when equipment use is the highest.
How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $49,710 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 7,700 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
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. Although most work full time, seasonal workers often see their hours fluctuate. Workers frequently are busiest during the spring and summer, when equipment use is the highest.
How to Become a Small Engine Mechanic
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $49,710 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 7,700 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for small engine mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of small engine mechanics with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about small engine mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.