9 Questions About UTI's Motorcycle Technician Training Answered
Have a passion for motorcycles? UTI's motorcycle mechanic training program may be the perfect fit for you. Get the answers you need here.
Do you love working with your hands? Do smaller engines and equipment fascinate you? If so, and you enjoy diagnosing problems, using tools and fixing equipment so it runs as it was designed to, a career as a small-engine mechanic may be for you.
What is a small-engine mechanic? A small-engine mechanic specializes in diagnosing and repairing small two- and four-stroke gasoline engines, which are essential to various industries, including powersports and landscaping equipment.
Common devices powered by these engines include snowmobiles, marine outboard engines, mowers, and chainsaws.
Small-engine mechanics can work in diverse settings, from powersports dealerships to equipment repair shops, and often travel to customer locations for on-site repairs, especially for lawn care and landscaping equipment that requires immediate attention to prevent business losses.
After gaining years of experience in the field, some small-engine mechanics may choose to become small-business owners. This is because of the relatively low initial startup costs compared to other repair shops. Many start their businesses in personal garages, leveraging their mechanical skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Essential skills for a successful small-engine mechanic include advanced knowledge of engine operation, fuel systems, ignition systems and diagnostic work. While formal training isn't mandatory, attending a program like Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) Motorcycle Technician Training program can provide a solid foundation and valuable knowledge for this career.1
Keep reading to learn more about what a small-engine mechanic does, common tools they use, the median salary and more!
Small gasoline engines power a wide range of equipment, from lawnmowers and generators to motorcycles and boats. Small-engine mechanics are trained to inspect, repair and maintain these compact machines, helping keep essential tools and vehicles running smoothly across many industries.H2: Types of Small-Engine Mechanics
Small gasoline engines also power small generators and water/utility/sump pumps. When you start to look, it’s amazing how many small engines are in use today!
Small-engine mechanics diagnose issues, perform necessary repairs or replacements on engine components, conduct routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tune-ups, and ensure that small engines operate efficiently and safely.
Small-engine mechanics possess expertise in engine mechanics, electrical systems and fuel systems specific to smaller-scale machinery, providing valuable services that keep these engines running smoothly and reliably for their users.
Small-engine mechanics specialize in servicing a variety of small engines commonly found in equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, generators, weed eaters, snow blowers and other similar machinery.
These skilled professionals work on diagnosing and repairing issues related to the engines' components, electrical systems, fuel systems and overall functionality. They handle tasks like troubleshooting engine performance problems, conducting routine maintenance checks, performing tune-ups, replacing worn-out parts and ensuring that small engines operate efficiently and safely.
Small-engine mechanics’ expertise extends to a diverse range of small-scale machinery, making them valuable assets for maintaining and optimizing the performance of these essential equipment pieces for both residential and commercial users.
With such widespread use, the need for a mechanic to service and repair this equipment is inevitable. A small-engine mechanic may work anywhere from a powersports dealership or an equipment repair shop, to a municipality where they troubleshoot, service, maintain and repair small gasoline engines.
Small-engine mechanics often travel to a customer’s location to complete their work. For example, the equipment used in lawn care and landscaping sees very hard use, and when it breaks down the company owner loses money by the hour. It isn’t uncommon for small-engine mechanics who specialize in lawn equipment to receive calls from business owners when they need help quickly!
In situations like this, a repair shop may dispatch a small-engine mechanic to the customer’s location to complete the work as quickly as possible.
Small-engine mechanics and small-business owners go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for an opportunity to combine an entrepreneurial spirit with your love for hands-on work, a small-engine repair business could be a good fit.
Opening a small-engine repair shop does not have the excessive initial startup costs that many other repair shops have, such as lifts, tire machines, brake lathes, etc. Many small-engine mechanics start their business out of their personal garages!
Read: Motorcycle Technician Salary, Duties and Opportunities
A successful small-engine mechanic will have advanced knowledge of:
Small-engine mechanics may attend a formal training program, or they may gain experience working under an existing mechanic. Mechanical and diagnostic skills develop over time with experience; however, an educational program at a small-engine mechanic school can give an aspiring small-engine mechanic a solid foundation upon which to build.
Since small-engine mechanics work on a variety of equipment and products, their day-to-day tasks are rarely the same. From putting a new top end on a two-stroke chainsaw to cleaning a carburetor on a riding mower, small-engine mechanics mainly work on engines and their components. Common tasks include:
The first step in learning how to become a small engine mechanic is earning a high school diploma or GED. Many employers and training programs require this level of education as a basic qualification. Courses in math, science and automotive repair can help lay a solid foundation.
If you're serious about becoming a small engine mechanic, training at a school like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can help you build a strong foundation. UTI’s Motorcycle Technician Training Program teaches students how to maintain, diagnose and repair two- and four-stroke engines skills that apply to motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and other small-engine equipment. With a curriculum focused on real-world applications, students have the opportunity to train using industry tools and technology that reflect what’s used in the field.
Practical experience is key. Whether through a training program, internship or entry-level role, working directly with small engines helps you build diagnostic and repair skills—essential for success in the field.
Small engine mechanics use a range of tools and equipment to diagnose and fix issues. Becoming proficient with everything from hand tools to computerized diagnostic systems can make you more efficient and desirable to employers.
As engine technology evolves, staying current is important. Continuing education, certifications and workshops can help you keep up with the latest developments, enhancing your resume and long-term career outlook.
Once trained, you can explore small engine mechanic jobs in areas like repair shops, rental companies or dealerships. Keeping a portfolio of your completed projects and certifications can help demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Graduates of UTI’s Motorcycle Technician Training program have career search support available to pursue their goals.1 From resume building and interview preparation to connecting students with local and national employers, career advisors offer valuable resources throughout training.
Whether employed at a shop or self-employed, a small-engine mechanic needs basic hand tools. Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc., are all required for success, but what else? Here is a list of common tools of the trade:
Some small-engine mechanics become motorcycle mechanics or technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median salary for motorcycle mechanics in the United States was $46,270 in May 2023.30 That means half of motorcycle mechanics earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
As stated earlier, formal training isn’t required to pursue a career as a small-engine mechanic. But for those who know exactly what they want to do with their career, an instructor-led, hands-on course can be very valuable.18
Some of the coursework offered at UTI won’t apply to a small-engine mechanic, but a lot of it will. Two- and four-stroke engine operation, fuel systems, diagnostic work, etc., could all prove to be helpful after graduation. There are no set-in-stone career paths for UTI graduates, but many go on to exciting and varied careers after completion of the program.
In UTI's 48-week Motorcycle Technician Training program, you’ll be taught the foundations of motorcycle, ATV, side-by-side and personal watercraft technology to prepare for a career as a motorcycle technician.7 To learn more, visit our program page and request information to talk with an Admissions Representative. You can also fill out an application today!
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.