Ohio's Small Engine Technology pathway prepares students for careers servicing and repairing small engines used in lawn and garden equipment, recreational vehicles, and portable power tools. Small engine repair is an accessible entry point into mechanical trades with significant employment opportunities.
Students study small engine fundamentals, fuel systems, ignition systems, troubleshooting, and repair procedures. They work with actual small engines, learning diagnostics and repairs used in small engine service shops.
Graduates work as small engine technicians with equipment dealers, lawn service companies, rental centers, and independent shops. Many establish their own small engine repair businesses. Career advancement leads to shop supervisor or manager roles. Some use small engine knowledge to transition into larger equipment repair.
Small Engine Technology at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's small engine technology standards are developed with equipment manufacturers and service providers. Curriculum emphasizes engine systems, troubleshooting, and safety.
Competency assessments include small engine system knowledge, diagnosis proficiency, repair capability, and safety practices. Manufacturer certifications are integrated.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Transportation Foundations |
| Small Engine Maintenance and Repair |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Small Engine Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,530 - $55,600
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,878
Service Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $63,650 - $91,870
Adjusted for cost of living: $69,328
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Business Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work in small engine repair shops, equipment dealerships, and rental centers throughout Ohio.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Automotive Technology
Ohio's Automotive Technology pathway prepares students for careers as automotive technicians in one of the state's largest employment sectors. The program covers diagnosis and repair of all major vehicle systems including engines, transmissions, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, and increasingly complex computer-controlled components. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific scan tools, and electronic service information systems. Many Ohio programs are ASE Education Foundation certified and include training on traditional internal combustion engines plus emerging electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. Ohio's automotive sector—including assembly plants, parts suppliers, and thousands of dealerships and independent repair shops—creates abundant career opportunities. The state's central location and manufacturing heritage make automotive technology a particularly relevant and valuable career pathway for Ohio students.
Transportation SystemsDiesel Technology
Ohio's Diesel Technology pathway prepares students for careers servicing and repairing heavy-duty diesel engines used in trucks, buses, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery. With significant diesel-powered transportation and equipment industries in Ohio, diesel technicians are in strong demand. Students study diesel engine fundamentals, fuel systems, electrical systems, electronic controls, troubleshooting, and safety practices. They work with actual diesel engines and equipment, learning diagnostic and repair procedures used by diesel service technicians. Graduates work as diesel technicians with truck dealers, equipment manufacturers, fleet service facilities, and independent shops. Career advancement leads to senior technician, shop supervisor, or service manager roles. Many pursue manufacturer certifications (Cummins, Duramax) and union apprenticeships.
Transportation SystemsMechanical Systems
Ohio's Mechanical Systems pathway prepares students for careers in hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems maintenance, and industrial mechanics. Manufacturing equipment relies on mechanical systems that skilled technicians must maintain and repair. Students study fluid power systems, mechanical power transmission, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and systems integration. They work with actual hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, learning systems used throughout industrial operations. Graduates work as hydraulic technicians, industrial mechanics, or maintenance technicians with manufacturers and industrial facilities. Career advancement leads to senior technician, supervisor, or engineering technician roles. Union apprenticeships in industrial mechanics offer pathways to well-compensated positions.
Manufacturing TechnologiesReady to Build Small Engine Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Small Engine Technology in Ohio.