Agricultural Engineers

Also Called: Agricultural Engineer, Engineer, Project Engineer, Research Agricultural Engineer

What Agricultural Engineers 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.

  • Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
  • Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
  • Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing Construction Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Tools

  • Notebook computers
  • Theodolites
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
  • Plotter printers
  • Desktop computers

Technology

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Oracle software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
food production

Education

  • 69% Bachelor's degree
  • 12% Post-baccalaureate certificate
  • 12% Master's degree

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.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Independence
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Attention

This is what Agricultural Engineers across the country typically make.

$29.88 / hour
$62,150 /year

Entry Level

$42.67 / hour
$88,750 /year

Median Level

$61.34 / hour
$127,590 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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