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Agricultural Equipment Operators

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (45-2091)
Bright Outlook

Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

At a Glance

Agricultural Equipment Operators earns a median of $42,580/yr with +7.7% projected growth. Typical entry: No formal educational credential. Top skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Median Annual Wage

$42,580/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+7.7%

Annual Openings

11

Typical Education

No formal educational credential

Skills & Requirements

Skills (2)

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.9
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.8

Knowledge (1)

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.

3.4

Abilities (11)

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.9
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.9
Near Vision

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

3.6
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.

3.4
Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

3.4
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.4
Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

3.3
Response Orientation

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

3.3
Rate Control

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

3.3
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.3
Oral Comprehension

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

3.3

Technology (3)

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
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (19)

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

4.4
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

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

4.3
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

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

4.2
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.2
Processing Information

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

4.1
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

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

3.9
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

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

3.7
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.6
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.6
Developing and Building Teams

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

3.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

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

3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

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

3.5
Getting Information

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

3.4
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.4
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.

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

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