Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Also called: Chainsaw Technician, Golf Cart Mechanic, Lawnmower Repair Mechanic, Mechanic
US median pay
$47,880
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,800
38,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Replace motors.
- Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Repairing3.9/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.9/5
- Troubleshooting3.8/5
- Operations Monitoring3.4/5
- Operation and Control3.2/5
- Equipment Selection3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.2/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Transportation3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma48%
- Some college27%
- Post-secondary certificate12%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.