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Agricultural Engineer: Career Information

By , About.com Guide

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.

Why Do You Need to Know About Educational Requirements?

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.

Why Do You Need to Know About Job Outlook?

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).

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