Agricultural engineer
Also known as: agricultural technology engineering consultant, agricultural technology engineering expert, agricultural engineering adviser, agricultural consultant engineer, agricultural engineering consultant, agricultural engineering specialist
About this occupation
Agricultural engineers intervene in a variety of matters within the agriculture field in combination with engineering concepts. They design and develop machinery and equipment for an efficient and sustainable exploitation of the land. They advise on the use of resources in agricultural sites comprising the usage of water and soil, harvesting methods, and waste management.
A specialisation of mechanical engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use technical drawing software
- troubleshoot
- execute feasibility study
- legislation in agriculture
- adjust engineering designs
- assess financial viability
- engineering principles
- mechanical engineering
- mechanics
- perform scientific research
- engineering processes
- approve engineering design
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Agricultural Engineers (O*NET 17-2021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$98,590 a year (2025), 1,480 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.3)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Industrial Ecologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.