Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.

AI Resistance Index 81 of 99

Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 81% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by +2.3% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on physical dexterity.

AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.

Median pay (2025): $47,880
Job growth to 2035: +2.3%
Openings a year: 3,800
People doing it (2025): 38,300
Usual route in: High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
Test performance of equipment or systems
Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Inspect vehicles
Maintain tools or equipment
Repair tools or equipment

What the work looks like

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.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as growth in electric and battery-powered outdoor power equipment will reduce the need for routine maintenance services and part replacement.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Recreational vehicle service techniciansHuman edge, growing, Index 93, +9.7%
Automotive service technicians and mechanicsHuman edge, growing, Index 88, +5.0%
Mechanical door repairersHuman edge, growing, Index 92, +6.4%
Rail car repairersHuman edge, steady, Index 85, +2.6%

Also known as: Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Service Technician, Service Technician (Service Tech), Small Engine Mechanic, Chainsaw Technician, Golf Cart Mechanic, Lawnmower Repair Mechanic, Shop Mechanic.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.