Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Also called: Farm Equipment Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Also called: Agricultural Equipment Mechanic (Ag Equipment Mechanic), Agricultural Mechanic (Ag Mechanic), Agricultural Service Technician (Ag Service Tech), Assembly Repairer, Combine Mechanic, Dairy Equipment Installer
Median pay
$56,550
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,470 – $78,740
People employed
37,870
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
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 OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians salary in every state →
What farm equipment mechanics and service technicians do
- 01Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
- 02Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
- 03Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
- 04Record details of repairs made and parts used.
- 05Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
- 06Clean and lubricate parts.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
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 farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics88% · +14%
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General87% · −12%
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers85% · −1%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery83% · +8%
- Medical Equipment Repairers82% · +9%
Change into farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General85% · $49,590
- Medical Equipment Repairers82% · $61,660
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers78% · $56,210
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics77% · $64,520
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery76% · $60,850
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Mechanization, General
- Agricultural Power Machinery Operation
- Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician
- Irrigation Management Technology/Technician
- Agricultural Mechanization, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.