Agricultural Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$85K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Agricultural Engineer?

An Agricultural Engineer applies engineering principles and technology to farming and agriculture. They focus on designing machinery, structures, and processes to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.

Sample job titles:

Agricultural Engineer, Engineer, Project Engineer, Research Agricultural Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Agricultural Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Agricultural Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$50K per year	$85K per year	$104K per year	$133K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $35K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Agricultural Engineer do?

Work environment

Agricultural Engineers work in a variety of settings, including farms, agribusiness firms, government agencies, and research institutions. Their work environment can range from offices and laboratories, where they design and test equipment, to outdoor agricultural settings, where they implement and evaluate agricultural systems.

Quick task list

Designs agricultural machinery, equipment, and structures.
Develops and implements agricultural projects and practices to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Advises farmers and agribusinesses on crop production, conservation, and environmental management.
Conducts research to develop new technologies and farming practices.
Collaborates with scientists and other specialists to solve agricultural problems.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Farm Machinery Design: Creating and improving agricultural equipment and machinery.
Soil and Water Conservation: Developing practices to manage soil and water resources sustainably.
Agricultural Environmental Control: Designing systems to control the agricultural environment, like greenhouse climate control systems.
Food Processing Engineering: Applying engineering principles to the processing, storage, and distribution of food.
Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology: Developing renewable energy sources and sustainable practices for agriculture.

Description

Agricultural Engineers play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices. They must have a strong foundation in engineering principles and a good understanding of agricultural sciences. The job involves designing and testing new agricultural equipment and structures, as well as developing innovative farming practices.

This career requires both technical and creative problem-solving skills. Agricultural Engineers must be able to design systems that are not only effective but also economically feasible and environmentally sustainable. They often work on diverse projects, from designing irrigation systems and farm buildings to developing strategies for waste management and resource conservation.

Agricultural Engineers must keep up-to-date with technological advancements and changes in agricultural practices. They also need good communication skills to work effectively with farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders. The role can be highly rewarding, as it directly contributes to improving food production and environmental sustainability.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the advancement and sustainability of agricultural practices.
The challenge of solving complex problems using engineering principles.
The potential to positively impact food production and environmental conservation.

You might make a good Agricultural Engineer if you are...

Interested in both engineering and agriculture.
Creative and enjoy solving complex, practical problems.
Passionate about sustainability and environmental conservation.
Skilled in mathematics and science, particularly physics and biology.
Enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable with hands-on work.

Pros:

Opportunity to work on diverse and meaningful projects.
High potential for innovation and technological advancement.
Growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices.

Cons:

Work can be physically demanding, especially when conducting fieldwork.
The need to constantly update skills to keep up with technological advancements.
Some projects may require long hours, particularly during critical stages of implementation.

How to become an Agricultural Engineer

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering or a related field is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional specialized training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and Physics for foundational engineering knowledge.
Biology and Environmental Science to understand agricultural sciences.
Computer Science for skills in technology and data analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining agriculture-related clubs like Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Participating in science fairs and engineering competitions.
Volunteering or interning on farms or with agricultural organizations.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering or a related field.
Gaining practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs.
Considering a master's degree for specialized roles or research positions.
Obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) if required for the position.

More resources

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) - Provides resources and support for professionals in the field.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) - Offers information on agricultural research and education.
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture - A comprehensive resource for agricultural laws, policies, and programs.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) - An organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture.
Agricultural Engineering Today - A journal that publishes articles on advances in agricultural engineering.

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