Agricultural Equipment Operators
Agricultural equipment operators drive and control machinery to support farming operations, including tractors and harvesters used for tilling, planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. They may also operate equipment for livestock management and post-harvest tasks like crop baling. This work takes place primarily on farms and agricultural facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against agricultural equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating heavy machinery across fields, adjusting equipment settings based on soil and crop conditions, and maintaining machinery to prevent breakdowns. Operators may spend full days planting seeds in spring, cultivating rows during growing season, or harvesting in fall. Work is weather-dependent and physically demanding, often requiring early starts and long hours during peak agricultural seasons.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. 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 thrive in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks over desk work and appreciate clear procedures and established systems. You're detail-oriented about equipment maintenance and comfortable working independently outdoors in varying conditions, with the technical skills to troubleshoot machinery problems.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $45,500 | $58,770 | $65,890 | 130 |
| Louisiana | $36,350 | $58,520 | $61,000 | 270 |
| New York | $45,250 | $50,020 | $54,870 | — |
| Delaware | $46,120 | $49,910 | $57,100 | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $37,590 | $49,150 | $58,140 | 40 |
| Minnesota | $45,260 | $48,520 | $54,490 | 900 |
| North Dakota | $44,090 | $48,080 | $54,260 | 430 |
| South Dakota | $43,880 | $48,060 | $49,120 | 240 |
| Virginia | $44,240 | $47,890 | $54,740 | 120 |
| Iowa | $43,010 | $47,220 | $57,960 | 1,530 |
| Ohio | $45,360 | $47,220 | $53,880 | 600 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,320 | $47,100 | $56,220 | 390 |
All 40 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) — Irrigation Association
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 equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 45-2091.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.