Career comparison
Agricultural Engineer vs. Agricultural Sciences Professor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Agricultural sciences professors earn more at the median ($98,700 vs. $98,590), while agricultural engineers usually get to work faster (4-year engineering degree of training). Agricultural engineers design farm equipment, irrigation and systems that grow food better. Agricultural sciences professors teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Agricultural Engineer | Agricultural Sciences Professor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $98,590 ($47.40/hr) | $98,700 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $68,060 – $166,460 | $50,870 – $163,150 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.9% (faster than average) | +2.9% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 800 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 4-year engineering degree | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s |
| Key credential | PE license | Ph.D. in agricultural science |
| Work setting | Agricultural engineers work in offices, labs and fields.. | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, research farms and in the field.. |
What each job does
Agricultural Engineer
- Design farm machinery
- Design irrigation
- Design structures
- Develop precision ag tools
- Conserve soil and water
Agricultural Sciences Professor
- Teach agriculture courses
- Run field and lab research
- Work with extension programs
- Advise students and clubs
- Write grants
How they’re similar
Both careers involve problem-solving, working outdoors, hands-on work, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, agriculture, landscaping & animal care and education & childcare, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and communication with farmers.
Which should you choose?
Choose agricultural engineer if…
- I grew up around farms
- I like engineering
- I like field work
Choose agricultural sciences professor if…
- I love agriculture
- I like field research
- I enjoy teaching
Still torn? Take the Agricultural Engineer fit quiz and the Agricultural Sciences Professor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, agricultural engineer or agricultural sciences professor?
Agricultural Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $98,700 versus $98,590 for agricultural engineers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Agricultural Engineers typically train faster (4-year engineering degree) than agricultural sciences professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects agricultural engineers to grow +6.9% from 2025–35, compared with +2.9% for agricultural sciences professors.