Agricultural Engineers
SOC code 17-2021 · O*NET-SOC 17-2021.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Agricultural Engineers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$98,590
a year
Hourly
$47.40
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$108,230
$52.04 per hour
Middle 50%
$82,260 – $124,880
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$68,060 – $166,460
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,480
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $68,060
- $32.72/hr
- 25th percentile
- $82,260
- $39.55/hr
- Median percentile
- $98,590
- $47.40/hr
- 75th percentile
- $124,880
- $60.04/hr
- 90th percentile
- $166,460
- $80.03/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+6%
Growing faster than average
1,700
jobs in 2024
1,800
projected for 2034
About 100 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does an agricultural engineer do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- 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.
- Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
- Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
- Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
- Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
How to become an agricultural engineer
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 75% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree75%
- Master's Degree10%
- Doctoral Degree10%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Common questions
How much does an agricultural engineer earn?
The national median is $98,590 a year. The full range runs from $68,060 at the 10th percentile to $166,460 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an agricultural engineer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is agricultural engineer in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- Design4.3/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Physics4.3/5
- Biology4.1/5
- Mechanical3.9/5
- English Language3.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Evaluation, Systems Analysis.