Power Equipment Technology in South Carolina
South Carolina's Power Equipment Technology pathway develops technicians for small engine and power equipment service. The state's agriculture, landscaping, and equipment industries create ongoing opportunities.
Students study small engine systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and repair procedures. They work on lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators, and other small engines.
Graduates work as power equipment technicians, service specialists, or shop managers. Employment opportunities exist with equipment dealers, independent shops, landscaping companies, and rental centers throughout South Carolina.
Power Equipment Technology at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina power equipment standards cover small engine systems, repair procedures, diagnostics, and safety. Standards include EPA environmental compliance.
Students complete engine repairs and diagnostics, system competencies, and safety assessments. State standards emphasize troubleshooting and professional service.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Power Equipment Technology 1 |
| Power Equipment Technology 2 |
| Small Engine Systems and Repair |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
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.
Power Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,280 - $62,880
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,448
Service Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,310 - $58,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,553
Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,460 - $81,760
Adjusted for cost of living: $67,697
Shop Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work with equipment dealers, landscaping companies, rental centers, and independent repair shops throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Agricultural Education
South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development. The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites. With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.
AgricultureAutomotive Technology
South Carolina's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, and diagnostics. This four-level program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, and alternative fuel technologies. With South Carolina's strong automotive manufacturing presence and extensive network of dealerships and service centers, demand for skilled automotive technicians remains consistently high. The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from foundational automotive systems knowledge through advanced diagnostics and repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) standards and prepares students for multiple ASE certifications upon graduation or soon after workforce entry. South Carolina's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and connected vehicle technologies. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Supply Chain & TransportationDiesel Engine Technology
South Carolina's Diesel Technology pathway develops technicians for diesel engines used in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. The state's trucking and transportation industries create strong demand. Students study diesel engine systems, fuel systems, emissions controls, and diagnostics. They work on actual diesel engines and heavy equipment. Graduates work as diesel mechanics, heavy equipment technicians, fleet maintenance specialists, or service advisors. Employment opportunities exist with trucking companies, bus fleets, equipment dealers, and independent shops throughout South Carolina.
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