Agricultural Engineering Career Opportunities
Agricultural engineering is a broad field that encompasses the application of engineering principles to the production and processing of agricultural products. Agricultural engineers work in a variety of settings, including farms, ranches, food processing plants, and government agencies.
Agricultural engineers play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of our food supply. They design and develop new technologies to improve the efficiency of agricultural production, reduce environmental impacts, and increase the safety of food products.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for agricultural engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of agricultural engineers will grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for food, fiber, and fuel, as well as the need to develop new technologies to address environmental challenges.
Career Opportunities
Agricultural engineers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Farms and ranches: Agricultural engineers work with farmers and ranchers to design and implement new technologies to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
- Food processing plants: Agricultural engineers design and develop new food processing technologies to improve the quality and safety of food products.
- Government agencies: Agricultural engineers work for government agencies to develop and implement policies related to agriculture and food safety.
- Research and development: Agricultural engineers conduct research to develop new technologies and improve the efficiency of agricultural production.
Job Titles
Some common job titles for agricultural engineers include:
- Agricultural Engineer
- Food Processing Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Research Engineer
Education and Training
Agricultural engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or doctorate.
Agricultural engineering programs typically include coursework in math, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering design, and agricultural systems. Students also gain experience in the field through internships and research projects.
Skills and Abilities
Agricultural engineers need a strong foundation in math, science, and engineering. They also need to have good communication and interpersonal skills. Other important skills include:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Project management
- Computer literacy
Salary and Benefits
The median annual salary for agricultural engineers was $76,470 in May 2019. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $50,790, and the highest 10% of earners made more than $108,010.
Agricultural engineers typically receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan.
Conclusion
Agricultural engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities to make a difference in the world. Agricultural engineers play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of our food supply and protecting the environment.
