Which is a career in agricultural engineering?

Overview

Agricultural engineering is the branch of engineering that applies engineering principles to the design, construction, and operation of agricultural machinery and equipment. Agricultural engineers also work on the development of new agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Job Duties

Agricultural engineers typically perform the following job duties:

* Design and develop agricultural machinery and equipment
* Test and evaluate agricultural machinery and equipment
* Develop and implement agricultural production systems
* Manage agricultural engineering projects
* Consult with farmers and other agricultural professionals
* Write technical reports and proposals

Education and Training

Agricultural engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate. Agricultural engineering programs typically include coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.

Salary

The median annual salary for agricultural engineers was $85,850 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $131,270.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for agricultural engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for agricultural engineers is expected to increase as the world’s population grows and the need for food increases.

Career Paths

Agricultural engineers can work in a variety of settings, including:

* Agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturers
* Agricultural research institutions
* Government agencies
* Consulting firms
* Farms and ranches

Agricultural engineers can also choose to specialize in a particular area, such as:

* Precision agriculture
* Sustainable farming practices
* Agricultural machinery design
* Agricultural production systems

Conclusion

Agricultural engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities. Agricultural engineers play a vital role in the production of food and fiber, and they help to ensure that the world has a sustainable food supply.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
• Agricultural Engineering Magazine
• Agricultural Engineer Career Profile