What is an Agricultural Engineer?

Example of an Agricultural Engineer Job 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.

Agricultural Engineer Responsibilities

• Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
• Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
• Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
• Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.
• Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.
• Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.

Skills Needed to be an Agricultural Engineer

These are the skills Agricultural Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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.

Types of Agricultural Engineers

• Farm Equipment Engineer
• Agricultural Equipment Test Engineer
• Test Engineer
• Agriculture Engineer
• Agricultural Safety and Health Program Director

Job Opportunities for Agricultural Engineers

In the United States, there were 2,700 jobs for Agricultural Engineers in 2016.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Agricultural Engineers by 2026. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field per year.

The states with the most job growth for Agricultural Engineers are Iowa, Georgia, 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.

What is the Average Salary of an Agricultural Engineer

The salary for Agricultural Engineers ranges between about $46,500 and $116,850 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $77,110.

How much do Agricultural Engineers make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Illinois	$86,690
Iowa	$85,320
Ohio	$83,600
Indiana	$78,710
Pennsylvania	$77,060
Florida	$76,100
California	$75,350
Kentucky	$67,010
South Dakota	$65,650

What Tools do Agricultural Engineers Use?

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

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• PTC Creo Parametric
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Eagle Point LANDCADD
• Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
• Microsoft Word
• PTC Pro/Pipe
• Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook

Where do Agricultural Engineers Work?

Related Careers

Those interested in being an Agricultural Engineer may also be interested in:

• Soil and Plant Scientists
• Biostatisticians

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons