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Transportation

Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engine Mechanics

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

Annual openings

61

Median wage

$52,620

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, critical thinking, and basic computer skills (for using diagnostic tools.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
  2. Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
  3. Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
  4. Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
  5. Perform routine maintenance such as cleaning and oiling parts, honing cylinders, and tuning ignition systems.
  6. Reassemble engines after repair or maintenance work is complete.
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