Agricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agriculture. They design agricultural machinery and equipment and agricultural structures. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products. Agricultural engineers work in research and development, production, sales, or management.
More than one third of the 2,400 agricultural engineers employed in 2000 worked for engineering and management services, supplying consultant services to farmers and farm-related industries. Others worked in a wide variety of industries, including crops and livestock as well as manufacturing and government.
Employment of agricultural engineers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Increasing demand for agricultural products, continued efforts for more efficient agricultural production, and increasing emphasis on the conservation of resources should result in job opportunities for agricultural engineers. However, most openings will be created by the need to replace agricultural engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Median annual earnings of agricultural engineers were $55,850 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,220 and $71,460. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,600.
According to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in agricultural engineering received starting offers averaging $46,065 a year and master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $49,808.
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