Agricultural Engineers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Agricultural Engineers

Agricultural Engineers 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.

Salary
$101620
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Agricultural Engineers 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.
  • Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
Read more about what does an Agricultural Engineer really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$79090 per year

Average hourly wage
$38 per hour


Agricultural Engineers with little to no experience tend to make between $46500 and $59940 while the more experienced ones can earn over $95110 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
IL $42 $86,690
IA $41 $85,320
OH $40 $83,600
IN $38 $78,710
PA $37 $77,060

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as an Agricultural Engineer is to move to a higher paying state like IL. Right now, the highest paying states for Agricultural Engineers are IL, IA, OH, IN and PA.

However, a higher pay at IL doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at IL might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as an Agricultural Engineer is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Bachelor’s degree

We asked other Agricultural Engineers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Agricultural Engineering
Read more about how to become an Agricultural Engineer and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being an Agricultural Engineer.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally
Suitable for people who wants job security and a good working condition
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
70%

Is this job meaningful
60%


70% of Agricultural Engineers said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Thinkers and The Builders

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.



Learn more about Agricultural Engineers

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Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Agricultural Engineers job description, Agricultural Engineers salary, Agricultural Engineers information, what is the job of an Agricultural Engineer like, pros and cons about Agricultural Engineers, colleges and universities for Agricultural Engineers, is Agricultural Engineers the right career for me, careers in Architecture and Engineering

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