The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $34,650 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,880.
Median annual wages for small engine mechanics in May 2015 were as follows:
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
$38,280
Motorcycle mechanics
34,220
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
32,710
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal work hours often fluctuate.
Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to boats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some mechanics may only work part time during the winter, when demand for small engine work is lowest.
Many employers try to keep work more consistent by scheduling major repair work, such as engine rebuilds, during the off-season.
Small Engine Mechanics
Median annual wages, May 2015
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
$40,160
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Small engine mechanics
$34,650
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics