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Engineering

Agricultural Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

Median salary (BLS)

$98,590

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$68k – $166k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $99,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Agricultural Engineers

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

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How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$40,175–$150,500

Time to qualify

4.2 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    FE exam (optional — PE track)

    Certification

    The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step toward a PE license; many engineering roles never need it.

    $175–$500 · 2 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Agricultural Engineers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Agricultural Engineers Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Agricultural Engineers

    Entry / Junior

    $68,060

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Agricultural Engineers

    Established

    $98,590

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Agricultural Engineers

    Senior

    $132,525

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
  • •Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
  • •Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
  • •Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
  • •Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Engineering

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.