Many small engine repairmen genuinely like what they do.
The median expected salary of a small engine mechanic in the United States was $29,677 as of early 2011. The job, which is also referred to as small engine repairman, is certainly not among the best paid occupations in the country. Still, it can bring satisfaction and happiness if you like to repair and service power equipment such as jet skis, chainsaws, motorcycles and motorboats. The job can also lead to you becoming an auto mechanic, which pays significantly more.
Instructions
1. Take helpful high school courses. The 2010-11 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- a part of the United States Department of Labor -- recommends taking courses in small engine repair, science, automobile mechanics and business math. Completing high school should also improve your employment chances.
2. Get a part-time job with an equipment dealer during the summer months. Although you will not get major tasks, you can still develop the necessary skills by helping to assemble new equipment and perform minor repairs.
3. Get into a trainee mechanic position at a repair shop or an equipment dealer. Under the guidance of experienced mechanics, learn routine service tasks that a small engine repairman need to know, such as replacing ignition points and spark plugs or take apart, assembling, and test new equipment. Later learn perform advanced computerized diagnosis and engine overhauls. It may take you up to three years to become an experienced small engine repairman.
Tags: small engine, engine repairman, small engine repairman, equipment dealer, high school