Best institutions to study Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain small internal-combustion engines used on portable power equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, rotary tillers, and snowmobiles.
24 U.S. institutions graduated 182 Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0606, a specialization of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06), and leads most directly to the Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics occupation (BLS SOC 49-3053).
About Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain small internal-combustion engines used on portable power equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, rotary tillers, and snowmobiles.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the repair, service, and maintenance of small internal-combustion engines. This program is ideal for individuals interested in working with portable power equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, and snowmobiles.
Students will gain core skills in critical thinking, active listening, and mechanical knowledge. Coursework typically covers engine diagnostics, repair techniques, and customer service, equipping graduates with the necessary expertise to succeed in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years93 graduates / yr · 13 institutions51%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year56 graduates / yr · 9 institutions31%
- Associate's degree31 graduates / yr · 6 institutions17%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.1%
Graduates over time
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 414 |
| 2013 | 348 |
| 2014 | 439 |
| 2015 | 361 |
| 2016 | 309 |
| 2017 | 316 |
| 2018 | 384 |
| 2019 | 298 |
| 2020 | 234 |
| 2021 | 218 |
| 2022 | 216 |
| 2023 | 172 |
| 2024 | 204 |
| 2025 | 182 |
Top 24 institutions for Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Western Idaho Nampa, IDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 31% | — | $36,676 |
| 2 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 16 | 38% | — | $52,556 |
| 3 | Marine Trades Institute Cedarville, MIPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 86% | $25,412 | — |
| 4 | Arkansas State University - Beebe Beebe, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 42% | — | — |
| 5 | Bates Technical College Tacoma, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 13 | 43% | — | — |
| 6 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 56% | — | $35,702 |
| 7 | North Arkansas College Harrison, ARPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 42% | — | — |
| 8 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 35% | — | — |
| 9 | Washington County Community College Calais, MEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 55% | — | — |
| 10 | North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, NDPublicAssociate's | 7 | 55% | — | $56,659 |
| 11 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 50% | — | $38,091 |
| 12 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 42% | — | $42,294 |
| 13 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 32% | — | $36,956 |
| 14 | Gadsden Technical College Quincy, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 88% | — | — |
| 15 | City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 40% | — | — |
| 16 | Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 58% | — | — |
| 17 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 65% | — | $45,675 |
| 18 | Palau Community College Koror, PWPublicAssociate's | 4 | 27% | — | — |
| 19 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 39% | — | $52,325 |
| 20 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 2 | 47% | — | $53,652 |
| 21 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 22 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 29% | — | $52,060 |
| 23 | Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 76% | — | $44,032 |
| 24 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 20% | — | $40,720 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 15 states & territories
Where Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 4 | 29 | Northwood Technical College13 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 28 | College of Western Idaho28 / yr |
| Arkansas | 2 | 22 | Arkansas State University - Beebe14 / yr |
| Nebraska | 2 | 17 | Southeast Community College Area16 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 16 | Marine Trades Institute16 / yr |
| California | 3 | 14 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College8 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 13 | Bates Technical College13 / yr |
| Minnesota | 2 | 8 | Hennepin Technical College6 / yr |
| Texas | 2 | 7 | Dallas College6 / yr |
| Maine | 1 | 7 | Washington County Community College7 / yr |
| North Dakota | 1 | 7 | North Dakota State College of Science7 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 6 | Gadsden Technical College6 / yr |
| Palau | 1 | 4 | Palau Community College4 / yr |
| Iowa | 1 | 3 | Des Moines Area Community College3 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 1 | Mitchell Technical College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3053, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics, with an annual job growth outlook of 2.5% and approximately 3,500 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is around $46,560, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0606
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanicsprimary SOC 49-3053 | $47,880 | +2.5% About as fast as average | ~3,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians SOC 49-3051 | $57,550 | +6.0% Faster than average | ~2,600 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record repairs made, time spent, and parts used.
- Test and inspect engines to determine malfunctions, to locate missing and broken parts, and to verify repairs, using diagnostic instruments.
- Dismantle engines, using hand tools, and examine parts for defects.
- Repair and maintain gasoline engines used to power equipment such as portable saws, lawn mowers, generators, and compressors.
- Adjust points, valves, carburetors, distributors, and spark plug gaps, using feeler gauges.
- Repair or replace defective parts such as magnetos, water pumps, gears, pistons, and carburetors, using hand tools.
Tools and technology used
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06).
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions - Diesel Mechanics Technology/CIP 47.0605
Technician 10,165 graduates / yr309 institutions - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0607
Technician 9,434 graduates / yr157 institutions - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of engines will I learn to repair?+
You will learn to repair small internal-combustion engines used in portable power equipment.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and customer service.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
You can work as an Outdoor Power Equipment Mechanic or Motorboat Mechanic.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about 2.5% growth, with approximately 3,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician?+
Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0606 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain small internal-combustion engines used on portable power equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, rotary tillers, and snowmobiles.
How many institutions offer Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician programs?+
24 U.S. institutions reported Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 15 states & territories, awarding 182 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics occupation, which Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $47,880 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $44,032 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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