Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural Engineering (Major code: 121)
Nature of the Work Working Conditions Employment Job OutlookTraining, Other Qualifications and Advancement What can I do with this major? Earnings Related Occupations Career Resource Links

Significant Points

• Work with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and engineers.
• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• About 12 percent are self-employed.

Nature of the Work

Agricultural engineers design or improve farm equipment and products.

Humans have been gardening for thousands of years. Along the way, we have changed foods to better suit our needs. The current practice of genetically modifying foods is a continuation of what humans have done for years. Did you know that humans have actually been changing plant genes for centuries? In fact, corn on the cob was first created about 8,000 years ago. Central American farmers took two strains of the "Balsas teosinte" plant and the result was the first yummy ear of corn.

Agricultural engineers work to help farmers find the best ways to produce crops. They carry out research on seeds, fertilizers, and other farm chemicals. Some design and test machinery that is used to turn soil and harvest crops. They may design machines that process and store food. Others find methods to control plant and animal diseases.

Agricultural engineers design and supervise the construction of farm buildings. They may offer advice on heating, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems. They regularly discuss ideas, plans, and changes with contractors, consultant, and farmers.

A number of agricultural engineers work on power systems. They may plan irrigation, flood control, and rural electrical systems. They may also advise people on the use of different power sources, such as solar and wind energy.

As the world's population grows, agricultural engineers will work to help farmers produce more food. They will also find ways to conserve resources such as water and soil. They often manage or control systems that gather information on the environment. Some agricultural engineers work to control pollution. These engineers design and build equipment to treat waste or test water quality. They may also design land reclamation projects.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, agricultural engineers:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact.
• Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also communicate by letters and memos, but less often.
• Work as part of a group or team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Usually work indoors in office buildings, plants, and laboratories. Most work sites are heated or have air conditioning.
• May work outdoors at farm, construction, and other project sites.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. They usually wear safety gear to protect themselves.
• Are exposed to distracting and uncomfortable sounds and noise levels on a weekly basis.
• May sometimes travel to work sites in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck.
• Often share the same work space, such as an office, with other engineers and workers.

Work Performance

• Must be very accurate and complete in their work. Errors could lead to serious problems with farm equipment and products.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact how an agricultural company is run. They make these types of decisions on a weekly basis.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting their daily tasks and goals.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines. This can make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.

Hours/Travel

• Generally work a set schedule. Most engineers work more than 40 hours per week. Project deadlines make longer hours necessary.
• Some engineers may travel extensively to plants or work sites.

Employment

Nationally, about 2,850 agricultural engineers work in this very small occupation. About one third of the 2,900 agricultural engineers employed in 2002 worked for professional, scientific, and technical 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.

Major employers:

• Engineering companies
• Federal and local government agencies
• Scientific research companies
• Agricultural consulting companies
• Public colleges and universities

About 12 percent of agricultural engineers are self-employed.

Information about employment for agricultural engineers in Ohio is not available.

Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement

To work as an agricultural engineer, you must:

• complete a bachelor's degree in engineering;
• be curious and detail-oriented;
• have strong analytical skills; and
• be creative.

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (Ph.D.). For instance, if you are interested in teaching agricultural engineering you need a Ph.D.

In a typical program, courses include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. In the last two years, you specialize in agricultural engineering. Agricultural engineering has three broad areas:

• Machine design
• Soil and water resources
• Systems control

Your courses cover elements of each of these areas. You can specialize by focusing on one area with elective courses. You can also specialize by pursuing a graduate degree in your area of interest.

Some two-year colleges have agreements with the engineering departments at four-year schools. These agreements allow you take your first two years of courses at the two-year college. Then you move to the university for the last two years. Some liberal arts schools have similar programs to prepare you for engineering schools.

Working on farms is good background for this occupation. Internships are usually a part of a four-year degree program. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field. In addition, an internship improves your chances of finding a job.

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. As you gain knowledge and experience, you receive greater independence. You also work on more difficult tasks.

Agricultural engineers may become technical specialists. They may also supervise a staff of engineers and technicians. Some engineers become project managers. Others may enter technical sales. Some agricultural engineers may advance to executive positions in larger companies.

Experience is important for advancement. Opportunities will be best for workers with excellent communication and administrative skills. Demand will be highest for those with up-to-date computer and technical skills.

Learn about Clark State's Agricultural Engineering major.

What can I do with this major?

This information will help you connect your college major with various career fields. Choose either the PDF or HTML version to find an outline of common career areas, typical employers, and strategies designed to maximize your success in a career. Choose Links to find a list of websites that provide information regarding college majors and related careers.

Keep in mind that the information sheets and websites are representative of typical career paths associated with each major and not a comprehensive list. You may want to explore information and websites from multiple majors to help you learn about a wide range of career opportunities.

Disclaimer: Please note that the websites listed under Links are not maintained by the Career Center but are provided as a convenience to students.

Job Outlook

Nationally, the number of jobs for agricultural engineers is expected to grow about as fast as average through the year 2012.

The growing number of people in the world will increase demands for food and energy. Agricultural engineers will be needed to find better ways to produce food. They will also work to save natural resources such as soil, air, and water.

Information about the outlook for agricultural engineers in Ohio is not available.

Earnings

Nationally, the median wage for agricultural engineers is $4,360 per month ($25.17 per hour). Half of all agricultural engineers earn between $3,490 and $6,150 per month ($20.14 and $35.47 per hour).

Most engineers who work full time also earn benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Agricultural engineers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

In Ohio, the median wage for agricultural engineers is $5,250 per month ($30.29 per hour). Half of all agricultural engineers earn between $4,340 and $6,910 per month ($25.02 and $39.84 per hour).

Related Occupations

Biological scientists and agricultural and food scientists.

Sources: 2006-2007 Occupational Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm)
Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) Program

Career Resource Links - Go to the Local and National Job Bank page for more sites.

American Society of Agricultural Engineers
American Society of Agronomy
Farms.com
International Agribusiness Internship Center
National Arborist Association
National FFA Organization
Ohio Collegiate AG Educators
OSU:College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences
The Fertilizer Institute
United States Department of Agriculture