Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

SOC code 49-3053 · O*NET-SOC 49-3053.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$47,880

a year

Hourly

$23.02

per hour

10th$34,670Median$47,88090th$67,260

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$49,990

$24.04 per hour

Middle 50%

$40,670 – $58,560

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$34,670 – $67,260

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

36,060

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $34,670; $16.67/hr
25th percentile: $40,670; $19.56/hr
Median percentile: $47,880; $23.02/hr
75th percentile: $58,560; $28.15/hr
90th percentile: $67,260; $32.34/hr

What do outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics do?

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

The tasks that matter most 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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48%
Some College Courses27%
Post-Secondary Certificate12%
Less than a High School Diploma12%

Common questions

How much does an outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics earn?

The national median is $47,880 a year. The full range runs from $34,670 at the 10th percentile to $67,260 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.3/5
Active Listening3.1/5

Knowledge areas

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
Sales and Marketing3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Selection, Operation and Control.