Agricultural Engineers
Agricultural engineers apply engineering and biological science to solve farming challenges involving machinery, power systems, structures, water management, and crop processing. They work for equipment manufacturers, government agencies, universities, agricultural consulting firms, and farming operations, designing and improving the tools and systems that modern agriculture depends on.
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A day in the work
Agricultural engineers might spend time in the field testing soil conservation methods, then return to an office to review machinery designs or irrigation system blueprints. A week could include site visits to farms, meetings with equipment manufacturers, laboratory analysis of processing techniques, or calculations on structural loads for grain storage facilities. The work balances hands-on problem-solving with technical documentation and design work.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy working with machines and systems in practical settings while also investigating underlying technical problems. You're drawn to applying science and engineering to real-world agricultural challenges, and you're comfortable combining field observation with lab or computer-based analysis to develop solutions.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Supervisory Civil/Agricultural Engineer · Natural Resources Conservation Service · Multiple Locations · $106437–$138370
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $94,790 | $119,250 | $129,400 | 60 |
| Minnesota | $104,710 | $115,940 | $125,210 | 60 |
| Iowa | $88,670 | $96,290 | $135,980 | 100 |
| Texas | $87,600 | $95,220 | $106,330 | 50 |
| Indiana | $86,320 | $94,730 | $105,440 | 150 |
| Mississippi | $76,440 | $91,560 | $127,230 | 40 |
| Colorado | $77,120 | $88,650 | $100,420 | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $68,060 | $86,970 | $110,940 | 120 |
| Michigan | $76,550 | $80,490 | $97,380 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $65,010 | $80,300 | $100,420 | — |
| Arkansas | $55,470 | $57,740 | $76,890 | 40 |
Certifications people in this field hold
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Agricultural and Biological Engineering (PE-A&BE) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC) — American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against agricultural engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.