Engineering and architecture
Agricultural engineer
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.
Median pay
$98,590
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Agricultural engineer
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Agricultural engineer: 65% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
Also called: Agricultural Engineer · Agricultural Systems Specialist · Conservation Engineer · Engineer · Field Engineer · Product Engineer · Product Technology Scientist · Project Engineer
Outlook and AI
Agricultural engineers held 1,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 1,600 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Agricultural engineer vs. Soil and plant scientists
- Agricultural engineer vs. Agricultural technician
- Agricultural engineer vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Agricultural engineer vs. Conservation scientist
- Agricultural engineer vs. Environmental engineer
- Agricultural engineer vs. Architectural and engineering managers
- Agricultural engineer vs. Industrial engineer
- Agricultural engineer vs. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
- Agricultural engineer vs. Industrial production manager
- Agricultural engineer vs. Civil engineer