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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.
Other titles employers use
Agricultural Engineer · Agricultural Systems Specialist · Conservation Engineer · Engineer · Field Engineer · Product Engineer · Product Technology Scientist · Project Engineer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, analytical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
Subjects to know
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.9 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 2.4 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 75%
- A master's degree 10%
- A doctorate or professional degree 10%
- A two-year degree 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop publishing software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 230
- Job openings each year
- 10
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- —
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 230 | 10 | — |
| Oklahoma | 110 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Wisconsin | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Nebraska | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Ohio | 60 | 0 | — |
| Texas | 60 | 0 | 20.0% |
| Colorado | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Illinois | 40 | 0 | — |
| Puerto Rico | 40 | 0 | — |
| Arkansas | 30 | 0 | — |
| Minnesota | 20 | 0 | — |
| North Dakota | 20 | 0 | — |
| Oregon | 20 | 0 | — |
| Washington | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Maryland-College Park
- Degrees each year
- 125
- Admit rate
- 45%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Program entryFirst-year program admission
Open college ILUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Degrees each year
- 75
- Admit rate
- 44%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Program entryDirect to major
Open college IAIowa State University
- Degrees each year
- 62
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Program entryDirect to college
Open college INPurdue University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 57
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
Program entryApply after enrollment
Open college OHOhio State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 56
- Admit rate
- 51%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Program entryApply after enrollment
Open college VAVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Degrees each year
- 54
- Admit rate
- 57%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
Program entryApply after enrollment
Open college MIMichigan State University
- Degrees each year
- 49
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Program entryApply after enrollment
Open college WIUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 47
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Program entryDirect to major
Open college