Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Keep bulldozers, excavators, loaders and cranes working on job sites and in shops.
- $65,510
- 1–2 years
Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Also called: Ag Equipment Technician · Tractor Mechanic · Ag Service Technician · Dealer Service Technician
What farm equipment mechanics 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 a farm equipment mechanic do?
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians repair and maintain farm machinery, including engines, hydraulics, electronics and precision technology. The median pay is $56,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years, and employment is projected to grow +10.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$56,550$27.19/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+10.7%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year3,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs41,900Employment, 2025
What farm equipment mechanics do
Farm equipment mechanics keep farms running. They diagnose and repair tractors, combines, sprayers and irrigation systems, service diesel engines and hydraulics, troubleshoot electronics and GPS systems, and perform maintenance before planting and harvest. Many work at equipment dealers; field techs travel to farms.
Most mechanics learn on the job or complete dealer programs such as John Deere TECH or CASE ASAP. Demand is strong, especially during busy seasons.
Typical duties
- Diagnose equipment problems
- Repair engines and drivetrains
- Repair hydraulic systems
- Troubleshoot electronics and GPS
- Perform preventive maintenance
- Make field repairs
- Document work and order parts
Work environment and schedule
Mechanics work in dealer shops and in the field at farms, in all weather.
Schedule: Long hours are common during planting and harvest.
A day in the life
- Review work orders at the dealership.
- Diagnose a tractor’s hydraulic leak.
- Update software on a combine’s controller.
- Drive to a farm to repair a sprayer in the field.
See a full day in the life of a farm equipment mechanic →
Farm Equipment Mechanic salary
Half of farm equipment mechanics earned more than $56,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,470 for the lowest 10% to $78,740 for the top 10%.
Full farm equipment mechanic pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a farm equipment mechanic
- Get mechanical experience
- Complete a program
- Join a dealer
- Earn certifications
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Many complete ag equipment technology programs or dealer programs.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a farm equipment mechanic →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Diesel engines
- Hydraulics
- Electrical and electronics
- Precision ag systems
- Diagnostic software
People skills
- Problem solving
- Customer service
- Independence
- Reliability
All farm equipment mechanic skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong demand
- Mix of mechanical and tech work
- Dealer training programs
- Rural lifestyle
Cons
- Long seasonal hours
- Field work in bad weather
- Physically demanding
- Tool investment
Certifications and licenses
- Dealer technician programs: Such as John Deere TECH or CASE ASAP.
- Manufacturer certifications: Brand-specific training.
- AED Foundation certification: Equipment technician credentials.
- CDL: For service trucks.
Career path
- Shop Technician: Repair equipment.
- Field Service Technician: Repair at farms.
- Lead or Master Technician: Handle complex repairs.
- Service Manager: Lead service departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Farm Equipment Mechanic training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as troubleshoot a hydraulic problem and perform a pre-harvest combine inspection, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
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Agricultural Equipment Operator
Drive tractors, combines and sprayers to plant and harvest crops.
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Small Engine Mechanic
Repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment.
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Compare: Farm Equipment Mechanic vs. Heavy Equipment Mechanic · Farm Equipment Mechanic vs. Diesel Mechanic · Farm Equipment Mechanic vs. Farm Equipment Operator · Farm Equipment Mechanic vs. Small Engine Mechanic
Farm Equipment Mechanic FAQ
Is farm equipment repair growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Do mechanics need a degree?
Not always; programs help.
Is the work seasonal?
Busiest at planting and harvest.
How much does a farm equipment mechanic make?
The median annual wage for farm equipment mechanics was $56,550 ($27.19 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,470 and the highest 10% earned more than $78,740.
How long does it take to become a farm equipment mechanic?
Most people need about 1–2 years of training. A high school diploma is typical. Many complete ag equipment technology programs or dealer programs.
Do you need a degree to be a farm equipment mechanic?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More farm equipment mechanic questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3041 (Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians (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.