Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
SOC: 49-3053 O*NET: 49-3053.00
Median Salary
$46,560
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
What does a Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,600
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,260
25th percentile
Median
$46,560
50th percentile
Experienced
$56,080
75th percentile
Top Earners
$64,540
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,600
25th
$38,260
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,560
Mean: $48,200
75th
$56,080
90th
$64,540
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $30,940 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,260 and $56,080
- •Salary spread is 38.3% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 34,240 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:36,900
Top Industries
Retail Trade42.4%
Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers33.7%
Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Retailers21.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.5%
Annual Openings:3,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)36,900
Current
2034 (Projected)37,800
+2.5%
+900
Employment Change
+2.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Florida
3,520 jobs$45,1101.62x
California
2,580 jobs$49,7800.64x
Texas
2,210 jobs$46,6200.72x
Michigan
1,760 jobs$44,9801.81x
North Carolina
1,730 jobs$46,4301.59x
New York
1,680 jobs$47,7700.79x
Pennsylvania
1,620 jobs$44,5201.21x
Virginia
1,320 jobs$44,9401.46x
Wisconsin
1,130 jobs$46,8301.73x
Ohio
1,010 jobs$46,1900.82x
Indiana
960 jobs$46,7101.35x
Georgia
890 jobs$42,8200.82x
Tennessee
880 jobs$46,1301.20x
Minnesota
760 jobs$50,0701.17x
New Jersey
710 jobs$55,7600.76x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Equipment Maintenance
100%
#2
Repairing
94%
#3
Troubleshooting
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Equipment Selection
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Operation and Control
60%
#8
Quality Control Analysis
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Equipment Maintenance
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced4.7
94%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Equipment Selection
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.0
60%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Equipment Selection
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Boilermakers100%
5 shared skills
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers82%
5 shared skills
Robotics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines82%
5 shared skills
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Critical Thinking
- →Operation and Control
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Repairing
- ★Equipment Selection
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)General Responsibilities (9)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Obtain problem descriptions from customers, and prepare cost estimates for repairs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Sell parts and equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Show customers how to maintain equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.28
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.12
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.11
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.91
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.89
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.85
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.3
Integrity
4.1
Attention to Detail
4.1
Independence
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.9
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Innovation
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Self-Control
3.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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