Occupation · SOC 49-3053
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Median wage
$46,560
$33,600–$64,540
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
34,240
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
30 mapped
Core skills
RepairingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionCritical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationService OrientationSystems AnalysisPersuasionInstructingNegotiationMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesTechnology DesignScienceManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallationOperations AnalysisProgramming
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingTransportationSales and MarketingComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementPhysicsProduction and ProcessingDesignPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsLaw and GovernmentGeographyChemistryAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingTelecommunicationsBuilding and ConstructionPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaPsychologyTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageFine Arts
Technology & tools
Ideal Computer Systems Ideal OPELand & Sea DYNO-MAXMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareRepairTRAXSale processing softwareSmart Equipment RepairVersaDyne small engine test systemWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsHandling and Moving ObjectsGetting InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesWorking with ComputersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoaching and Developing OthersThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDeveloping and Building Teams
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Repair records including time, parts, and labor — document accurately under supervisor guidance using shop work-order forms.Hand tools and basic disassembly procedures — follow step-by-step instructions to dismantle small gasoline engines on a shop bench.Engine components such as pistons, gears, and carburetors — identify by name and describe function during supervised inspection tasks.Diagnostic instruments such as compression testers and multimeters — apply under direct supervision to locate obvious engine malfunctions.Routine maintenance tasks including cleaning, oiling, and filter replacement — perform following written checklists on lawn mowers and portable equipment.Feeler gauges and adjustment procedures — use under close supervision to set basic spark plug gaps on standard small engines.Defective or missing parts — recognize common signs of wear during supervised teardown of portable saws and generators.Reassembly sequences for simple single-cylinder engines — follow manufacturer diagrams step by step after supervised repair exercises.Shop safety protocols and personal protective equipment — apply consistently while handling fuel systems and rotating equipment in a training environment.Customer service interactions — respond politely and relay basic equipment drop-off information to customers under the direction of a lead mechanic.
developing
Work orders and parts records — complete independently and accurately in shop management or point-of-sale software after each routine repair.Diagnostic instruments including vacuum gauges and timing lights — operate with moderate oversight to isolate ignition and fuel-system faults on familiar engine types.Carburetors, magnetos, and water pumps — remove, inspect, and replace using hand tools with limited supervision on standard lawn mowers and compressors.Valve clearances, distributor points, and carburetor settings — adjust to manufacturer specifications using feeler gauges on a variety of small four-stroke engines.Routine ignition-system tune-ups including points, plug gap, and timing — complete within expected service times on common residential outdoor power equipment.Cylinder honing and basic engine reconditioning steps — perform under periodic supervision to restore worn cylinders to serviceable tolerance.Repaired engines — test-run and verify performance against baseline specifications before releasing equipment to customers.Parts availability and pricing — research using supplier databases and communicate estimated costs and turnaround times to customers.Two-stroke and four-stroke engine differences — apply working knowledge to select correct service procedures for portable saws, trimmers, and generators.Equipment-selection decisions for replacement components — make independently by matching specifications from service manuals for standard repair jobs.
proficient
Complex engine malfunctions across multiple equipment types — diagnose autonomously using analytical software, compression data, and systematic troubleshooting logic.Full engine rebuilds including piston, ring, and bearing replacement — execute independently on gasoline engines powering saws, mowers, and commercial generators.Non-routine ignition and fuel-system failures — isolate and repair without reference to supervision by applying deep mechanical knowledge and deductive reasoning.All carburetor types including diaphragm and float-bowl designs — overhaul, calibrate, and verify performance across the full range of small-engine applications.Quality-control inspections after each repair — conduct systematically to verify that rebuilt engines meet manufacturer tolerances before customer return.Repair history and recurring failure patterns — analyze across shop records to identify equipment reliability trends and recommend proactive maintenance schedules.Challenging disassembly situations involving seized or corroded components — resolve using appropriate penetrants, heat, and specialized extraction tools without causing secondary damage.Customer complaints about intermittent or hard-to-reproduce faults — investigate thoroughly, replicate conditions, and deliver a verified repair with clear explanation.Shop diagnostic and office suite software — use proficiently to track repair status, generate invoices, and maintain accurate parts inventory.Emerging engine technologies including EFI and battery-hybrid outdoor equipment — research service procedures independently and adapt existing skills to unfamiliar platforms.
advanced
Shop-wide service standards and repair workflows — design and implement to maximize efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction across all equipment categories.Junior and apprentice mechanics — mentor daily by demonstrating diagnostic techniques, reviewing their work orders, and providing structured feedback on engine repairs.Complex warranty and liability decisions involving repeated equipment failures — evaluate and resolve using technical judgment, manufacturer guidelines, and customer-service principles.Technical training materials and job aids — develop for the shop team covering ignition systems, carburetor overhaul, and engine reconditioning procedures.Parts purchasing strategy and supplier relationships — manage to ensure cost-effective inventory levels that support rapid turnaround on high-volume repair seasons.Shop productivity and quality metrics — monitor using database and spreadsheet tools to identify performance gaps and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Cross-trained technician capabilities — build by assigning developmental repair tasks that expand the team's proficiency across two-stroke, four-stroke, and electric small-engine platforms.Customer escalations involving significant repair costs or repeated failures — handle authoritatively by applying deep technical knowledge alongside negotiation and communication skills.Safety and environmental compliance programs for fuel handling and waste disposal — establish and enforce to meet regulatory requirements within the service facility.Business development opportunities such as commercial fleet contracts and seasonal maintenance agreements — evaluate and pursue by leveraging technical credibility and customer-service expertise.
Also known as
46 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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