Do you love working on small engines and other such motorized equipment? Do you want to make your engine repair hobby into a career? You need to get college training and even a college degree in small engine repair. The other great thing about this career field is that you don't have to go to college for 4 years to get a college certification in this field and start working. Many vocational training centers and colleges offer certification programs in small engine repair that generally take a few months to a year to obtain. Colleges also offer associate's degrees in small engine repair, 2 years of colleges. It's also important to note that colleges and employers require students and employees to have their high school diploma or GED before getting accepted to a training program or getting hired as a small engine repair technician.
A very exciting aspect of small engine repair is that many small engines in the United States are used by motorcycles and other smaller automotive devices like ATV's, all terrain vehicles and the like. If you love motorcycles and working on them, small engine repair could be an excellent career field for you. It allows you to be involved with something, that you love every day.
Strong Employment Outlook for Small Engine Repair
The small engine repair industry is experiencing strong growth. Between now and 2018, the field is expected to see about seven percent job growth, according to the United States Department of Labor Statistics. This growth is being created by an increase in the number of motorcycles and other small motorized vehicles in the United States. It's also being caused high turnover in the current small engine repair industry due to retirement and transfer of current small engine repair technicians.
Strong Wages Earned by Small Engine Repair Technicians
Small engine repair technicians can make great hourly wages. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2008, 50 percent of small engine repair technicians had average hourly wages from $12.00 to $19.00 per hour. The median wages for motorcycle mechanics were about $15.00 per hour. Motorboat mechanics averaged about $16.00 per hour and outdoor power equipment mechanics averaged over $13.00 per hour. Most small engine repair technicians in small shops received no extra benefits. Larger repair shops generally provided some benefits like paid vacation time and health insurance options.
Colleges Have Small Engine Repair Programs
Colleges have excellent associate's degrees (2 years of study) and certification programs in small engine repair available right now. Call today and get started on your path to a new career in small engine repair.
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