Agricultural Engineers
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
What it pays
Agricultural Engineers earn a median of $47.40/hr — about $98,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $32.72/hr; the top 10% earn $80.03/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Agricultural Engineers earn a median of $47.40/hr — about $98,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $32.72/hr; the top 10% earn $80.03/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
- Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
- Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
- Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of agricultural engineers are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
- Civil Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Quick questions
- How much does a agricultural engineer make?
- The median pay is $47.40 per hour — roughly $98,500 a year, with the real range running from about $32.72/hr (10th percentile) to $80.03/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a agricultural engineer?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a agricultural engineer actually do all day?
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems. Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities. Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.