Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics out-earn Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics land at $47,880 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanic programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics is Alaska ($60,190); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn more nationally. The median is $47,880 for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 2.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics at $60,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics earn $60,190 vs. $60,840 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.