How to become a Small Engine Technician

Also called: Small Engine Mechanic

Maintains, tests and repairs engines of chainsaws, lawnmowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines.

Main tasks

• Inspects small engines to identify faults and determine necessary repairs
• Performs routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes and filter replacements, and cleans and lubricates engine parts
• Repairs or replaces defective mechanical parts such as pistons, rings, bearings, valves and carburettors
• Uses diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot small engine problems
• Adjusts engine components such as ignition timing and fuel mixture
• Disassembles small engines and examines parts for defects and wear
• Reassembles small engines and tests them to ensure proper functioning

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology (AUR30720); Certificate II in Automotive Cylinder Head Reconditioning (AUR21520); Certificate II in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology (AUR20820); Certificate II in Remote Area Power Supply Maintenance (UEE21420); Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology (AUR30420); Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology (AUR31520); Certificate III in Automotive Engine Reconditioning (AUR31316); Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $84,344 a year
• About 111,200 people work in this job group now, and about 119,500 are projected by 2035. (+7.5%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Agricultural Mechanic
• Bicycle Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Electric Vehicle Technician
• Marine Technician
• Motorcycle Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Small Engine Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Cylinder Head Reconditioning; Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology.

How much does a Small Engine Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $84,344 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Small Engine Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 111,200 to about 119,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Small Engine Technician?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Cylinder Head Reconditioning; Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Small Engine Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04