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Online Small Engine Repair Schools

You know who you are. When your neighbor's lawn mower failed to start because of a fouled spark plug, you knew what to do. You can fine-tune the RPMs of a chainsaw, or tweak your fishing boat motor so it's the smoothest, quietest craft on the lake. But fuel systems are getting increasingly complicated, and inboard-outboard engines are advancing beyond your ability to wrangle them.

If you're interested in turning your hobby into a business, or at least a day job that you love to report to, small engine repair schools can bring you up to speed. By completing online small engine repair courses, you can qualify to work on boats, motorcycles, outdoor power equipment, off-road bikes, snow machines, or all-terrain vehicles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as more and more motorcycles, boats, and farm equipment become computer controlled and sophisticated, employers should be searching for mechanics who are graduates of formal training programs. In fact, grads from small engine repair degree programs should expect excellent job prospects, according to the BLS.

Small Engine Repair School: What to Expect

Depending on your small engine repair courses, you may expect to learn how to diagnose problems, repair damaged parts, fix engines, ignitions, fuel and electrical systems, and more. You may learn how to perform routine maintenance on brakes, rudders, carburetors, fuel injection systems, wiring, lights, or chain systems.

You'll need an aptitude for working with small tools, a sense of mathematics, and a detective's mind. Small engine repair degree programs can include learning the use of computer diagnostic tools and how to perform an entire engine overhaul. Some employers have their mechanics log onto online small engine repair courses to learn about a specific manufacturer or specialization without having to interrupt their work schedules. Courses blend theory and practical instruction with hands-on experience.

Career Options for Small Engine Repair School Graduates

Many online courses in small engine repair lead to diplomas. You might specialize in one piece of gear, say lawn-care products, or as a generalist, with skills to work on lawn edging equipment, riding mowers, jet skis, and two- and four-stroke motorbikes.

Of the 70,400 professionals who worked on small engines in 2008, 37 percent were employed by motor vehicle and parts dealers, with the remainder working at retail lawn and garden stores, repair and maintenance shops, or as self-employed mechanics.

Marine mechanics can learn to work on commercial fishing craft, tour boats, racing boats, or cabin cruisers. Motorcycle mechanics may focus on general maintenance and repair, or specialize in American, European, or Asian motorcycles.

With experience or desire, you can return to school to learn the skills for becoming a diesel, automobile, or heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanic.

Salary Outlook for Small Engine Repair School Degree Holders

The BLS predicts a 7 percent increase in jobs for small engine mechanics, 2008-2018, a 6 percent increase in openings for motorboat mechanics, and a 9 percent increase in positions for motorcycle mechanics.

Wages vary by degree of training, experience, and specialized industry. In 2009, the mean annual wage for small engine and outdoor power equipment mechanics was $30,400. By contrast, the mean annual wage for motorcycle mechanics was $33,870, and the mean wage for motorboat mechanics in 2009 was $37,120.

For small engine mechanics, the top-paying employment sub-sectors were machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers. Motorcycle mechanics earned the highest wages at motor vehicle parts and supplies merchant wholesalers. And motorboat mechanics were paid the most by deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation companies.

If you want to turn your hobby of tinkering with small engines into a profession, small engine repair schools can help you to write your own ticket.