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.
Also called: Agricultural Engineer, Agricultural Equipment Design Engineer, Agricultural Equipment Test Engineer, Agricultural Production Engineer, Agricultural Research Engineer, Agricultural Systems Specialist
Median pay
$98,590
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$68,060 – $166,460
People employed
1,480
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Agricultural Engineers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (11 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What agricultural engineers do
- 01Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- 02Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- 03Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
- 04Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
- 05Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
- 06Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from agricultural engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers83% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists81% · group pay
- Materials Scientists80% · +19%
- Hydrologists78% · −2%
- Soil and Plant Scientists78% · −20%
Change into agricultural engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Soil and Plant Scientists86% · $78,850
- Food Scientists and Technologists83% · $88,720
- Water Resource Specialists81% · $167,220
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers80% · $171,270
- Conservation Scientists78% · $73,010
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.