Skip to content

Agricultural Engineers

Architecture and Engineering (17-2021)
Bright Outlook

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.

At a Glance

Agricultural Engineers earns a median of $84,630/yr with +5.9% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Engineering and Technology, Working with Computers, Analyzing Data or Information.

Median Annual Wage

$84,630/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+5.9%

Annual Openings

N/A

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (13)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.9
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.9
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.9
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.9
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.8
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.8
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

3.4
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3

Knowledge (12)

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.9
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.5
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

4.4
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

4.3
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.3
Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

4.1
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.9
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.9
Food Production

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

3.6
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.6
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3.6
Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

3.4

Abilities (17)

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.9
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.8
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.8
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.6
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.6
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.6
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.5
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.5
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.4
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.4
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.3

Technology (16)

Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Database

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SharePoint

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (24)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.7
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.6
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.4
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.3
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.3
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.2
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.2
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.1
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

4.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

4.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.9
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.9
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.8
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.8
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.7
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Agricultural Engineers.

Get Started Free