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Agricultural Engineer

Job Sector: Agriculture and Natural Resources

Potential Salary (USD):

Low End: $45,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $80,000.00 /yr
High End: $130,000.00 /yr

Education Required:

  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, or
  • Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering, or
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Bioresource Engineering

Job Outlook:

The demand for Agricultural Engineers is expected to grow due to the increasing need for sustainable farming practices and advanced agricultural technologies.

Career Profile Overview:

Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to agricultural practices, developing innovative solutions to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. They work on designing equipment, systems, and processes that enhance the quality and efficiency of food production while minimizing environmental impact.

Man taking notes in a sunflower field.
Farmer in a industrial sized greenhouse inspecting a row of plants and checking a tablet.
Engineer taking notes in front of a field.

Equipment Design and Development:

  • Design and develop new farming machinery and equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and processing facilities.

Environmental Control Systems:

  • Create systems for managing environmental factors in farming, such as climate control in greenhouses, waste management, and soil conservation.

Irrigation Systems:

  • Design and optimize irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use and distribution across agricultural lands.

Sustainable Farming Practices:

  • Develop and implement technologies that promote sustainable farming, including renewable energy systems, soil conservation techniques, and pollution control measures.

Project Management:

  • Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of agricultural systems and equipment. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required specifications.

Research and Development:

  • Conduct research to innovate and improve agricultural processes, such as developing precision farming technologies and improving crop yields.

Consultation and Education:

  • Provide technical support and guidance to farmers, agricultural businesses, and government agencies on best practices and new technologies.

Educational Path:

  • High School: Basic understanding of mathematics, science, and technology is important for this role.
  • Postsecondary: Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a Related Field
  • Advanced Degrees: Master’s or Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering or a Related Field

Certifications:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
    • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
  • Certified Agricultural Engineer (CAgE)
  1. Entry-Level:
    • Junior Agricultural Engineer: $55,000 – $70,000 annually (USD)
    • Field Engineer: $50,000 – $65,000 annually (USD)
    • Research Assistant: $45,000 – $60,000 annually (USD)
  2. Mid-Level:
    • Agricultural Engineer: $70,000 – $90,000 annually (USD)
    • Project Manager: $80,000 – $100,000 annually (USD)
    • Consulting Engineer: $75,000 – $95,000 annually (USD)
  3. Senior-Level:
    • Senior Agricultural Engineer: $90,000 – $120,000 annually (USD)
    • Research and Development Director: $95,000 – $130,000 annually (USD)
    • Agricultural Engineering Professor: $80,000 – $110,000 annually (USD) (depending on the institution and experience)

(Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific employer)

  • Strong understanding of engineering principles, including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, as they apply to agriculture.
  • Ability to analyze challenges in farming and develop practical, innovative solutions.
  • Design new equipment and systems to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.
  • Precision in designing, testing, and implementing agricultural technologies.
  • Ability to explain complex engineering concepts to non-engineers, including farmers and agricultural workers.
  • Skilled in planning, coordinating, and managing engineering projects from inception to completion.
  • Understanding of environmental impact and the importance of sustainable farming practices.

United States:

  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  2. Purdue University
  3. Texas A&M University
    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
    • Website: Texas A&M

Canada:

  1. University of Guelph
  2. University of Saskatchewan
  3. McGill University

R. Paul Singh

A portrait of R Paul Singh

Position: Professor Emeritus of Food Engineering, University of California, Davis

Contributions: Dr. R. Paul Singh is a renowned agricultural engineer specializing in food engineering and environmental sustainability. His research has focused on improving food processing techniques and developing sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact: Co-authored several textbooks on food engineering, which are widely used in agricultural engineering programs worldwide. Conducted pioneering research in the field of thermal processing, which has helped reduce energy consumption in food production. Awarded numerous accolades, including the prestigious World Food Prize, for his contributions to sustainable food production.

Source: UC Davis

Drone pilot stand in front of a person-sized drone beside a corn field.
A number of sprinklers poke up from a low leafy crop and are watering the plants in a spiral motion.
Two men looking at a laptop in front of new farming equipment.

Resources and Further Reading:

  • American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: ASABE
  • US Department of Agriculture: USDA