Small Engine Repair Careers

Small engine repair and motorcycle repair mechanics work to perform maintenance on and repair the engines of motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment (lawnmowers, tractors, chainsaws, snowblowers, snowmobiles, etc).

Repair & Maintenance | Airline/Aviation | Automotive Repair | Electricians |Electronics & Computer Repair | Gunsmithing | HVAC | Locksmithing | Motorcycle/Small Engine Mechanics | Plumbing | Appliance Repair

Working with small engine maintenance and repair you should have good problem-solving skills so as to be able to discover and repair the problem quickly. In some shops you may be able to use computerized diagnostic testing equipment. Request FREE information from Universal Technical Institute.

• Baran Institute of Technology: Located in Bloomfield, East Windsor, and Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Enrolls students from Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

• Motorcycle Mechanics Institute - Orlando - Florida
• Motorcycle Mechanics Institute - Phoenix - Arizona
• Ashworth University - Diplomas
• Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) - Out of Area - Tennessee
• Penn Foster Career School
• Pennco Tech - Blackwood - New Jersey
• WyoTech-Daytona WyoTech- Fremont - California
• YTI Career Institute - Motorcycle Technology Center - York - Pennsylvania
• York Technical Institute - York - Pennsylvania
• YTI Career Institute - York - Specialty - Pennsylvania

Education and Training

As the complexity of motorboat and motorcycle engines increases, formal training is desired for many small engine mechanics Knowledge of basic electronics is required and the skills learned as a small engine repairer will transfer to other occupations, such as automotive, diesel or heavy vehicle mechanics. Small engine mechanics often begin with routine service tasks before moving on to more complex forms of repair. An experienced small engine mechanic would:

• Perform engine overhauls
• Replace ignition points and spark plugs
• Take apart and reassemble equipment
• Perform advanced computer diagnostics

Universal Technical Institute is a nationwide provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional Automotive, Diesel, Collision, Motorcycle and Marine technicians. Click here to request more information. Those with formal training often tend to advance more quickly to complex tasks, troubleshooting and responsibility. Those with knowledge of both 2- and 4- stroke engines should have the most favorable opportunities.

Expected Salary

The demand for small engine mechanics continues to increase and as more people buy homes, they need to maintain their lawns hence maintaining their equipment is important. People with motorbikes, yachts, motorboats, snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles also look for qualified mechanics to work on their vehicles.

Salaries for small engine mechanics depend on experience, skill level and location. In 2006, the median hourly wage for small engine mechanics was $14.45, with the top 10% earning $23.31.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 78,000 small engine mechanics employed in 2006 and that number is expected to increase to 87,000 by 2016.

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