Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic Salary 2025: $47,880 Median, 36,060 Jobs, 2.5% Growth
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earned a median salary of $47,880 in 2024, with the typical range from $34,670 (10th percentile) to $67,260 (90th percentile). The mean hourly wage is about $23. This occupation employs 36,060 workers across the U.S., with job growth projected at 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, creating roughly 3,500 openings each year. If you're considering this trade, the numbers are solid, but where you work matters a lot.
How much Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national median annual salary at $47,880, meaning half of mechanics earn more and half earn less. The middle 80% — from the 10th to 90th percentile — spans $34,670 to $67,260. Mean annual pay is $49,990, or about $23 per hour. Experience, certifications, and location shift these numbers significantly.
Top earners in high-paying states or specialized shops can clear $67,000, while entry-level or rural positions often start in the mid-$30,000s.
- National median: $47,880
- 10th percentile: $34,670
- 90th percentile: $67,260
- Mean hourly: $23
Pay by state
Alaska tops the list at $60,190, followed by Hawaii ($58,110), Massachusetts ($57,830), New Hampshire ($57,610), and Nevada ($56,750). The cold climates and remote locations in Alaska likely drive up demand and wages. The lowest-paying states are West Virginia ($39,210), Mississippi ($37,900), and Arkansas ($37,610). That's a spread of more than $22,000 between the highest and lowest states — so choosing where to work is a key career decision.
How to become Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanic
Most mechanics learn on the job, but formal training helps you advance faster. Here's the typical path:
- High school diploma or GED is usually required. Courses in small engine repair, automotive technology, or mechanics are useful.
- Postsecondary certificate programs at community colleges or trade schools cover engine theory, electrical systems, and diagnostic techniques. Programs typically last 6 months to 2 years.
- Apprenticeships or entry-level positions at dealerships, repair shops, or equipment rental companies provide hands-on experience—usually 1-3 years to become fully skilled.
- Voluntary certification from organizations like the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) can boost credibility and pay. No state license is required for general work, but some tasks (refrigerant handling) need EPA certification.
- Employers increasingly expect familiarity with electronic diagnostic equipment and engine management systems.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment growth of 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,500 job openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Demand is steady because people still need their lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators repaired — and new equipment is expensive, so repairs remain attractive. However, growth may be tempered by the increasing reliability of some engines and the shift to battery-powered equipment, which requires different skills.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an outdoor power equipment mechanic?
Entry-level mechanics typically earn around the 10th percentile, which is $34,670 per year. Pay increases with experience and certifications.
Do outdoor power equipment mechanics need a license?
No state license is required for general repair. However, working with refrigerants (like in AC systems) requires EPA Section 608 certification. Many employers prefer voluntary EETC certification.
Is small engine repair a good career?
It's a stable trade with a median salary near $48,000 and steady demand. The pay is below many other mechanic roles, but training requirements are lower and job openings are consistent.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics data.