Motorboat mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair the mechanical and electrical components of boat engines.
Small engine mechanics held about 76,300 jobs in 2018. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up small engine mechanics was distributed as follows:
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | 34,900 |
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | 24,900 |
| Motorcycle mechanics | 16,600 |
The largest employers of small engine mechanics were as follows:
| Motor vehicle and parts dealers | 33% |
| Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores | 13 |
| Repair and maintenance | 11 |
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | 11 |
| Self-employed workers | 9 |
Small engine mechanics generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. When repairing onboard engines, motorboat mechanics may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
Work Schedules
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours fluctuate.
Most mechanics are busiest during the spring and summer, when demand for work on equipment from lawnmowers to motorboats is the highest. During the peak seasons, some mechanics work many overtime hours. In contrast, some may work only 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 rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
Small engine mechanics typically enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award and learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Education
Motorboat and outdoor power equipment mechanics typically begin work with a high school diploma and learn on the job, although some of them seek postsecondary education. High school or vocational school courses in small engine repair and automobile mechanics are often beneficial.
Motorcycle mechanics typically complete postsecondary education programs in motorcycle repair, and employers prefer to hire these workers because they usually require less on-the-job training.
Training
Trainees work closely with experienced mechanics while learning basic tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or disassembling engine components. As they gain experience, trainees move on to more difficult tasks, such as advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. Achieving competency may take anywhere from several months to 3 years, depending on a mechanic’s specialization and ability.
Because of the increased complexity of boat and motorcycle engines, motorcycle and motorboat mechanics who do not complete postsecondary education often need more on-the-job training than that needed by outdoor power equipment mechanics.
Employers frequently send mechanics to training courses run by motorcycle, motorboat, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and dealers. These courses teach mechanics the most up-to-date technology and techniques. Often, such courses are a prerequisite to performing warranty and manufacturer-specific work.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Many motorboat and motorcycle manufacturers offer certification specific to their own models, and certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council is the recognized industry credential for outdoor power equipment mechanics. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a mechanic’s competence and usually brings higher pay.
Motorcycle mechanics usually need a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Small engine mechanics typically have an interest in the Building and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a small engine mechanic, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Small engine mechanics should also possess the following specific qualities:
Customer-service skills. Mechanics must discuss equipment problems and repairs with their customers. They should be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions. In addition, self-employed workers frequently depend on repeat clients for business.
Detail oriented. Mechanical and electronic malfunctions often are due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss errors. Mechanics must account for those types of problems when inspecting or repairing engines and components.
Dexterity. Many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.
Mechanical skills. Mechanics must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must frequently disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to reassemble them properly.
Troubleshooting skills. Mechanics, especially marine equipment and motorcycle specialists, must be able to identify problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems using diagnostic equipment. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
The median annual wage for small engine mechanics was $37,840 in May 2019. 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 $24,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,070.
Median annual wages for small engine mechanics in May 2019 were as follows:
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | $41,330 |
| Motorcycle mechanics | 37,600 |
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | 36,100 |
In May 2019, the median annual wages for small engine mechanics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries | $39,120 |
| Repair and maintenance | 38,230 |
| Motor vehicle and parts dealers | 38,110 |
| Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores | 35,470 |
Most small engine mechanics work full time, although seasonal workers often see their work hours 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 work only 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 rebuilding engines, during the off-season.
Overall employment of small engine mechanics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth rates will vary by occupation.
Boat engines, as well as engines and parts for outdoor power equipment, have become more efficient—but also more sophisticated. Thus, maintaining and repairing these engines and parts will require more workers.
Motorcycle mechanics adept at repairing electric motorcycles, new to the commercial market, may see increasing opportunities over the decade.
Mechanics who work on outdoor power equipment and other small engines will continue to be in demand because of the widespread use of these engines in gardening, tree work, landscape construction, and similar activities.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are expected to be best for candidates who have completed postsecondary training programs.
For more information on outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics and training programs, visit
Equipment & Engine Training Council
To learn about job opportunities for small engine mechanics, contact local motorcycle, motorboat, and lawn and garden equipment dealers; boatyards; and marinas. Local offices of the state employment service also may have information about employment and training opportunities.