Agricultural Sciences Professor
Teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production.
- $98,700
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career
Agricultural Engineer
Also called: Biological Systems Engineer · Ag Engineer · Irrigation Engineer · Agricultural Machinery Engineer
What agricultural engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an agricultural engineer do?
Agricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and science to agriculture and the efficient use of biological resources. The median pay is $98,590 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +6.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$98,590$47.40/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.9%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year engineering degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs1,500Employment, 2025
What agricultural engineers do
Agricultural engineers solve farm problems with engineering. They design machinery, irrigation and drainage, barns and storage, precision ag technology and food processing systems, and work on soil and water conservation.
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering is required. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Design farm machinery
- Design irrigation
- Design structures
- Develop precision ag tools
- Conserve soil and water
- Test equipment
- Advise farmers
Work environment and schedule
Agricultural engineers work in offices, labs and fields.
Schedule: Full time, with seasonal field work.
A day in the life
- Review sensor data from a field.
- Design an irrigation layout.
- Meet a farmer.
- Test a planter prototype.
See a full day in the life of an agricultural engineer →
Agricultural Engineer salary
Half of agricultural engineers earned more than $98,590 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $68,060 for the lowest 10% to $166,460 for the top 10%.
Full agricultural engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an agricultural engineer
- Earn an ag engineering degree
- Do farm or equipment internships
- Join as an engineer
- Earn PE
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an agricultural engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Machine design
- Hydrology
- Irrigation design
- CAD
- Precision agriculture
People skills
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Practicality
- Teamwork
All agricultural engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Feed the world
- Field and office
- Tech meets farming
Cons
- Small field
- Rural locations
- Seasonal deadlines
- Weather affects trials
Certifications and licenses
- PE license: Optional.
- Certified Irrigation Designer: Irrigation Association.
- CCA: Certified Crop Adviser.
- Master’s: For research.
Career path
- Engineer I: Entry.
- Ag Engineer: Design.
- Senior Engineer: Lead.
- Engineering Manager: Lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Agricultural Engineer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as design a drip irrigation system and read a yield map, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.
- $104,110
- 4 years
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Repair and maintain tractors, combines and precision farm equipment.
- $56,550
- 1–2 years
Soil and Plant Scientist
Study soils and crops to help farmers grow more with less.
- $78,850
- 4-year degree
Compare: Agricultural Engineer vs. Agriculture Professor · Agricultural Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer · Agricultural Engineer vs. Farm Equipment Mechanic · Agricultural Engineer vs. Soil and Plant Scientist
Agricultural Engineer FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Where do ag engineers work?
Equipment makers, government, consulting and food companies.
Do I need a farm background?
It helps but isn’t required.
How much does an agricultural engineer make?
The median annual wage for agricultural engineers was $98,590 ($47.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $166,460.
How long does it take to become an agricultural engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering is required.
Do you need a degree to be an agricultural engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More agricultural engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2021 (Agricultural engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Agricultural engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.