Job Description - Agricultural Engineer:
Using their knowledge of engineering technology and science, agricultural engineers design agricultural machinery, equipment, sensors, processes and structures.
Employment Facts - Agricultural Engineer:
There were 3,000 agricultural engineers employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Agricultural Engineer:
To work as an agricultural engineer one must first earn at least a bachelor's degree in engineering with a concentration in agricultural engineering.
Other Requirements - Agricultural Engineer:
Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. These licensed engineers are called Professional Engineers (PE). To become licensed one must have a degree from a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), four years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a state examination. Requirements vary by state.
Job Outlook - Agricultural Engineer:
Employment of agricultural engineers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Agricultural Engineer:
In 2009 agricultural engineers earned a median salary of $69,560 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much agricultural engineer currently earns in your city.
A Day in Agricultural Engineer's Life:
On a typical day agricultural engineer's tasks might include:
- developing ways to conserve soil and water
- improving the processing of agricultural products
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Agricultural Engineer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited January 18, 2011).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Agricultural Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/17-2021.00 (visited January 18, 2011).
