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Agricultural Engineer

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All About Agricultural Engineers

Career Description 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.

A Day in the Life of an Agricultural Engineer

  • Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
  • Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
  • Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
  • Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
  • Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.
  • Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.

Agricultural Engineer Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Agricultural Engineers say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Other Agricultural Engineer Job Titles

  • Project Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Permaculture Designer
  • Agriculture Consultant
  • Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

Agricultural Engineer Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 2,700 jobs in the United States for Agricultural Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Agricultural Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Agricultural Engineer are North Carolina, Washington, and Alabama. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Oregon, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Agricultural Engineer

The typical yearly salary for Agricultural Engineers is somewhere between $46,500 and $116,850.

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Agricultural Engineers who work in Illinois, Iowa, or Ohio, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Agricultural Engineers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
California $75,350
Florida $76,100
Illinois $86,690
Indiana $78,710
Iowa $85,320
Kentucky $67,010
Ohio $83,600
Pennsylvania $77,060
South Dakota $65,650

What Tools & Technology do Agricultural Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Agricultural Engineers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • SAS
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Oracle software
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • SAP software

How do I Become an Agricultural Engineer?

What education or degrees do I need to become an Agricultural Engineer?

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Agricultural Engineer?

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Where Agricultural Engineers Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Agricultural Engineers employed by various industries.

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Those interested in being an Agricultural Engineer may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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