Overview
Agricultural engineers blend engineering principles with biological science to improve farming, food production, and environmental sustainability. They solve problems related to crop production, irrigation, soil conservation, machinery design, and agricultural waste management. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, agricultural engineers help modernize the way the world produces food and resources.
This field offers the chance to work at the intersection of technology, nature, and problem-solving, ideal for those who enjoy technical challenges and want to make a real-world impact on sustainability and global food systems.
Job Duties
Agricultural engineers take on a wide range of tasks, including:
- Designing and testing agricultural machinery and equipment
- Developing irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems
- Creating environmental controls for livestock housing (e.g., heating, ventilation)
- Improving agricultural processing systems
- Researching sustainable farming techniques
- Addressing soil erosion, pollution control, and water conservation
- Analyzing climate, soil, and crop data to boost yields and minimize waste
Their projects often involve field work, lab analysis, CAD design, data modeling, and coordination with farmers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.
Work Environment
Agricultural engineers work in a variety of settings:
- Offices and labs for research, analysis, and design
- Farms and test fields for on-site implementation and evaluation
- Manufacturing plants when working on machinery or equipment production
- Government agencies and environmental firms for regulatory compliance and land use planning
They usually work full-time, and some positions involve outdoor work in all weather conditions. Field assignments may require travel, especially when collaborating with farmers, agribusinesses, or government agencies.
Education and Training Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or biological systems engineering is required for most entry-level jobs. The program must typically be accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
Key coursework includes:
- Soil and water engineering
- Irrigation and drainage systems
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Farm structures and environmental control
- Machine design and instrumentation
- Precision agriculture and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Licensure:
- While entry-level roles do not always require it, becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) opens the door to leadership positions and independent consulting work.
- The typical path: pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam → gain 4 years of experience → pass the PE
Advanced Degrees:
- Master’s or PhD programs are common for those focused on research, university teaching, or highly specialized roles (e.g., ag robotics or climate modeling).
Skills and Qualities Needed
- Problem-solving: Finding practical solutions to real-world challenges in agriculture
- Technical design: Proficiency in CAD, modeling, and simulation software
- Math and physics: For systems design, hydraulics, and materials analysis
- Environmental awareness: Understanding ecosystems, soil science, and water cycles
- Communication: Explaining designs to non-engineers like farmers and regulators
- Adaptability: Working in changing weather conditions or adapting to crop cycles
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Median annual wage (2023): $88,450
- Top 10% earn more than: $123,300
- Bottom 10% earn less than: $57,000
Job Outlook (2022–2032):
- Expected job growth: 4%, slower than average but steady
- About 100 job openings per year, mostly to replace retirees or those leaving the field
While the field isn’t growing rapidly in terms of headcount, it's becoming more essential due to climate change, food insecurity, and sustainability concerns. Engineers with training in precision agriculture, renewable energy, or AI-powered ag systems will see stronger demand.
Career Paths and Advancement
Agricultural engineers can advance into:
- Project Lead or Farm Technology Manager
- Environmental Systems Consultant
- Precision Agriculture Engineer
- Product Development Manager for ag tech companies
- Sustainability Director in agribusiness
- University Professor or Researcher with a graduate degree
Some may specialize further in drone mapping, climate-smart agriculture, greenhouse systems, or renewable biofuels.
Best Industries and Employers
Top employers for agricultural engineers include:
- Ag equipment manufacturers (e.g., John Deere, CNH Industrial)
- Agribusiness companies (e.g., Cargill, Bayer Crop Science)
- Government agencies (e.g., USDA, EPA, NRCS)
- Environmental and civil engineering firms
- Universities and research institutions
- Nonprofits and NGOs focused on global food systems
Is Agricultural Engineering a Good Fit for You? Try the MAPP Assessment
Choosing a career in agricultural engineering should be based not only on skill but on internal motivation. The MAPP assessment at Assessment.com evaluates your motivational DNA and matches it with over 1,000 careers.
For example:
- If your MAPP profile shows a strong drive for practical problem solving, sustainability, and working independently, agricultural engineering might be a match.
- If you prefer fast-paced teamwork or creative arts, this may not be the best fit, and the MAPP will highlight other careers better aligned with your traits.
The MAPP gives clear, simple results that are straightforward and easy to understand, so you can confidently pursue a path that energizes you.
Tips to Get Started
- Take STEM-focused courses in high school: biology, physics, and environmental science
- Join FFA or 4-H clubs to get early exposure to agriculture
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited university in agricultural or biological systems engineering
- Intern with farms, ag companies, or government programs to build real-world skills
- Use the MAPP assessment to make sure your motivational strengths align with the job
- Stay current with trends like climate-resilient farming, water recycling, and ag-tech startups
Related Careers
If you like the concept of agricultural engineering but want to explore other fields, consider:
- Environmental Engineer
- Civil Engineer (focus on water systems)
- Mechanical Engineer (equipment design)
- Hydrologist or Soil Scientist
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
These roles share overlapping skill sets but may align better with your interests or lifestyle.
Closing Remarks
Agricultural engineering is a dynamic, purpose-driven field for those who want to use science and technology to feed the world, protect the environment, and improve farming systems. You’ll work on real challenges that impact food production, water quality, and land sustainability, making it an ideal career for those who value impact over prestige.
Before committing, explore whether your motivations match this work using the MAPP assessment. It’s an effective way to find out if you’re wired for innovation, environmental systems, and hands-on problem-solving in the natural world.
Is this career path right for you?
Find out Free.
- Take the MAPP Career Assessment (100 % free).
- See your top career matches, including 5 Free custom matches allowing you to see if this job is a good fit for you and likely one you will enjoy and thrive in.
- Get a personalized compatibility score and next-step guidance.
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