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The salary for small engine technicians varies based on experience, location, and the specific type of work performed. As of October 2025, the average salary stands at $47,559 per year or approximately $23 per hour. Entry-level positions may earn less, while experienced technicians can command higher wages. For instance, technicians in states like California and New York often see salaries exceeding the national average due to higher living costs.
In addition to location, the type of engine work—such as servicing lawn mowers, chainsaws, or motorcycles—can also impact earnings. Technicians who specialize in more complex machinery may find better opportunities and higher pay. Furthermore, technicians with certifications or additional training often have a competitive edge in salary negotiations.
For those looking to maximize their earnings, seeking employment in regions with a high demand for small engine services can be beneficial. Various job boards and local listings can provide insights into the best-paying opportunities available. By understanding the factors influencing salaries, small engine technicians can make informed career choices.
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The average small engine technician salary in California, Virginia, and Arizona are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average small engine technician salary states are Utah, Iowa, and Missouri.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $66,873 | $32.15 |
| 2 | North Carolina | $55,752 | $26.80 |
| 3 | Arizona | $67,308 | $32.36 |
| 4 | Kentucky | $48,192 | $23.17 |
| 5 | Delaware | $57,792 | $27.78 |
| 6 | West Virginia | $56,661 | $27.24 |
| 7 | Virginia | $68,280 | $32.83 |
| 8 | California | $70,498 | $33.89 |
| 9 | Nevada | $54,387 | $26.15 |
| 10 | Maryland | $57,272 | $27.53 |
| 11 | New Jersey | $50,673 | $24.36 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $54,408 | $26.16 |
| 13 | Indiana | $48,963 | $23.54 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $48,080 | $23.12 |
| 15 | Maine | $44,946 | $21.61 |
| 16 | Michigan | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| 17 | Tennessee | $44,263 | $21.28 |
| 18 | Connecticut | $47,094 | $22.64 |
| 19 | Texas | $50,524 | $24.29 |
| 20 | Alaska | $43,701 | $21.01 |
| 21 | District of Columbia | $57,310 | $27.55 |
| 22 | New Mexico | $47,910 | $23.03 |
| 23 | Washington | $51,415 | $24.72 |
| 24 | Idaho | $48,508 | $23.32 |
| 25 | South Carolina | $42,395 | $20.38 |
| 26 | Ohio | $44,527 | $21.41 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $42,599 | $20.48 |
| 28 | Georgia | $42,175 | $20.28 |
| 29 | Hawaii | $50,119 | $24.10 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $45,670 | $21.96 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $43,185 | $20.76 |
| 32 | Rhode Island | $42,699 | $20.53 |
| 33 | Florida | $40,594 | $19.52 |
| 34 | Arkansas | $43,162 | $20.75 |
| 35 | Alabama | $40,645 | $19.54 |
| 36 | Mississippi | $38,679 | $18.60 |
| 37 | New Hampshire | $38,419 | $18.47 |
| 38 | Montana | $39,010 | $18.75 |
| 39 | Massachusetts | $40,193 | $19.32 |
| 40 | Vermont | $37,646 | $18.10 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | $39,622 | $19.05 |
| 42 | Oregon | $41,661 | $20.03 |
| 43 | Iowa | $36,122 | $17.37 |
| 44 | Illinois | $37,383 | $17.97 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $38,553 | $18.54 |
| 46 | Missouri | $35,863 | $17.24 |
| 47 | Nebraska | $35,759 | $17.19 |
| 48 | Colorado | $35,591 | $17.11 |
| 49 | North Dakota | $37,437 | $18.00 |
| 50 | Utah | $37,200 | $17.88 |
| 51 | Kansas | $35,119 | $16.88 |
The highest-paying cities for small engine technicians are El Cerrito, CA, Grand Rapids, MI, and Rowlett, TX.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Cerrito, CA | $70,478 | $33.88 |
| 2 | Grand Rapids, MI | $46,463 | $22.34 |
| 3 | Rowlett, TX | $45,144 | $21.70 |
| 4 | Columbus, OH | $44,345 | $21.32 |
| 5 | Hot Springs, AR | $43,650 | $20.99 |
| 6 | Savannah, GA | $43,013 | $20.68 |
| 7 | Oshkosh, WI | $42,634 | $20.50 |
| 8 | Shrewsbury, MA | $40,495 | $19.47 |
| 9 | DeLand, FL | $39,668 | $19.07 |
| 10 | Davenport, IA | $36,559 | $17.58 |
| 11 | Kearney, NE | $35,469 | $17.05 |
A small engine technician's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $78,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $78,000 | $6,500 | $38 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,000 | $5,083 | $29 |
| Average | $47,559 | $3,963 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
The highest paying types of small engine technicians are engine mechanic, engine repairer, service, and mobility scooter repairer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Technician | $41,435 | $3,453 | $19.92 | 131,515 |
| Technician | $38,045 | $3,170 | $18.29 | 596,842 |
| Shop Technician | $36,798 | $3,066 | $17.69 | 150,349 |
| Service Technician | $40,379 | $3,365 | $19.41 | 254,533 |
| Engine Mechanic | $62,832 | $5,236 | $30.21 | 35,043 |
| Small Engine Mechanic | $44,668 | $3,722 | $21.47 | 35,857 |
Top companies hiring small engine technicians now:
Small engine technician salaries at Epsilon Systems and KanEquip are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average small engine technician salary at companies like University of Wisconsin System and L&H; Industrial are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epsilon Systems | $52,403 | $25.19 |
| 2 | KanEquip | $47,394 | $22.79 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin System | $45,035 | $21.65 |
| 4 | L&H Industrial | $39,843 | $19.16 |
| 5 | Kawasaki Motors Mfg. Corp. Usa | $39,661 | $19.07 |
| 6 | Power Distributors | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 7 | JESCO | $39,194 | $18.84 |
| 8 | 21st Century Equipment Llc | $38,674 | $18.59 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $38,421 | $18.47 |
| 10 | CADC | $36,214 | $17.41 |
| 11 | ManpowerGroup | $34,220 | $16.45 |
| 12 | Ace Hardware | $32,853 | $15.79 |
| 13 | C & B Operations | $31,469 | $15.13 |
| 14 | Farm Supply | $27,346 | $13.15 |
| 15 | Yellowstone Club | $24,400 | $11.73 |
The average small engine technician salary has risen by $9,289 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average small engine technician earned $38,270 annually, but today, they earn $47,559 a year. That works out to a 11% change in pay for small engine technicians over the last decade.
Compare small engine technician salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare small engine technician salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $47,600 | $22.87 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | $45,700 | $21.99 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $44,900 | $21.57 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $43,600 | $20.94 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $42,700 | $20.55 | +3.0% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Hardware | Department Specialist-Small Engine-Stihl Repair Tech | Kitty Hawk, NC | 06/29/2025 | $35,479 |
| Blain Supply, Inc. | Small Engine Technician | Geneseo, IL | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Blain Supply, Inc. | Small Engine Technician | Oak Creek, WI | 06/27/2025 | $37,566 |
| Landscapers Supply | Small Engine Technician | Seneca, SC | 06/22/2025 | $41,740 |
| Potters Industries Inc. | Small Engine Service Technician | Franklin Town, MA | 06/16/2025 | $56,850 |
| Amentum | Small Boat Engineering Technician Instructor | San Diego, CA | 06/13/2025 | $57,413 |
| 21St. Century Equipment | Small Engine Service Technician | Greeley, CO | 06/12/2025 | $50,088 |
| Crystal Tractor of Panama City | Small Engine Technician | Panama City, FL | 06/09/2025 | $93,915 |
| Crystal Tractor of Live Oak | Small Engine Technician | Live Oak, FL | 06/09/2025 | $93,915 |
| Blain Supply, Inc. | Small Engine Technician | Bloomington, IL | 05/28/2025 | $37,566 |
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