Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology equips learners with the technical expertise needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair small internal-combustion engines powering a wide range of portable outdoor and utility equipment. This hands-on program emphasizes precision, safety, and efficiency in troubleshooting and restoring engine performance across diverse applications.
- Engine Systems Analysis: Study of the fundamental components and operational principles of two- and four-stroke small engines, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts, and valve trains.
- Fuel and Ignition Systems: In-depth exploration of carburetion, fuel delivery mechanisms, spark plug function, and electronic ignition components critical to engine start-up and consistent operation.
- Electrical and Charging Systems: Training in battery maintenance, alternator function, starter motor diagnostics, and troubleshooting electrical faults in small engine equipment.
- Transmission and Drive Train Integration: Understanding of clutch mechanisms, gear systems, and power transfer components used in equipment like snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and tillers.
- Diagnostic Techniques and Tools: Proficiency in using precision instruments, scan tools, compression testers, and multimeters to identify mechanical and electrical faults efficiently.
- Preventive Maintenance Protocols: Application of standardized maintenance schedules and best practices to extend equipment lifespan and prevent common operational failures.
- Environmental and Safety Compliance: Knowledge of emissions standards, proper handling of fuels and lubricants, and adherence to safety regulations in repair environments.
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology degrees, including Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians and Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 58,490 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians 49-3051 | $54,950 | $35,950 - $78,820 | 24,250 | $26.42 |
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics 49-3053 | $46,560 | $33,600 - $64,540 | 34,240 | $22.38 |
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $37,990 in West Virginia to $65,045 in Hawaii—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 58,490 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology is found at College of Western Idaho (CWI) (29 graduates), Arkansas State University (ASU-Beebe), Beebe (24 graduates), Ohio Technical College (Ohio Tech) (17 graduates), Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) (12 graduates), and Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 204 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Nampa, Idaho | Public | cwi.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASU-Beebe) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
24 | Beebe, Arkansas | Public | asub.edu |
| Ohio Technical College (Ohio Tech) |
Other Award
|
17 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | ohiotech.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Cedarville, Michigan | Private | glbbs.edu |
| Washington County Community College (WCCC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Calais, Maine | Public | wccc.me.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Bates Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | batestech.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Other Award
|
7 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) |
Associate's
|
5 | Wahpeton, North Dakota | Public | ndscs.edu |
| Dallas College |
Other Award
|
5 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| North Arkansas College (Northark) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Harrison, Arkansas | Public | northark.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Mitchell, South Dakota | Public | mitchelltech.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Associate's
|
4 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Ankeny, Iowa | Public | dmacc.edu |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
2 | Fergus Falls, Minnesota | Public | minnesota.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Paris, Tennessee | Public | tcathenrycarroll.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Palau Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Koror, Palau | Public | palau.edu |
| Gadsden Technical College (GTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Quincy, Florida | Public | gadsdentech.org |
| American River College (ARC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology degree?
Salaries for Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology graduates vary by role and location. Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians earn a median of $54,950 annually, while Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn around $46,560. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $65,045 compared to $37,990 in West Virginia. Approximately 58,490 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include College of Western Idaho (CWI) (29 graduates), Arkansas State University (ASU-Beebe), Beebe (24 graduates), and Ohio Technical College (Ohio Tech) (17 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 655 in 2010 to a peak of 234 in 2020, before declining slightly to 204 in 2023-24. This represents a 69% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics, . Related occupations employ approximately 58,490 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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