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Agricultural Engineer

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What is an Agricultural Engineer?

Agricultural Engineer Example 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.

What Do Agricultural Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
  • Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
  • 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.
  • Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.
  • Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.

Agricultural Engineer Needed 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

  • Research Leader
  • Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
  • Field Research Associate
  • Agriculture Consultant
  • Farm Equipment Engineer

Is There Going to be Demand for Agricultural Engineers?

There were about 2,700 jobs for Agricultural Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 200 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Average Agricultural Engineers Salary

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.

How much do Agricultural Engineers make 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

Tools & Technologies Used by Agricultural Engineers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Agricultural Engineers may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 to 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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Agricultural Engineers Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming an Agricultural Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:

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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