Agricultural Engineers
Medium43.86%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$62,150
Median$88,750
High (90th %)$127,590
AI Prompt Guides for Agricultural Engineers
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Agricultural Engineers. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Agricultural Engineers
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
The occupation “Agricultural Engineers” has an automation risk of 43.9%, which is slightly below the base risk of 44.6%. This moderate risk level stems from the mixture of automatable and resistant tasks inherent in the profession. Agricultural engineering requires specialized expertise in developing, designing, and monitoring systems and technologies used in agriculture, which means not all job components are equally susceptible to automation. While technological advancements continue to streamline certain activities, the intricate and context-specific nature of many agricultural engineering responsibilities protects a significant portion from complete automation. Therefore, the likelihood of automation is present but not overwhelmingly high, aligning closely with the calculated base risk. Among the top three most automatable tasks for agricultural engineers are the preparation of reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems. These are largely procedural, information-driven tasks that can be effectively handled by software equipped with computational and drafting capabilities. Similarly, visiting sites to observe environmental problems, consulting with contractors, or monitoring construction activities can increasingly be supported by drones, sensors, and remote monitoring solutions. Meeting with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers to discuss their needs, also involves routine scheduling and information exchange activities that can be automated or facilitated by communication platforms and AI-driven interfaces. On the other hand, the most automation-resistant tasks reflect the need for complex decision-making, creative problem-solving, and high-level supervisory skills. Supervising food processing or manufacturing plant operations, for example, demands real-time judgment and human oversight to address unexpected issues. Designing food processing plants and related mechanical systems is inherently creative and tailored to unique project needs, making it resistant to standardized automation. Moreover, designing and supervising environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries require adaptability and the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. Notably, the bottleneck skills of originality—with levels at 3.4% and 3.6%—underscore the importance of innovative thinking in these tasks, further limiting automation risk. Overall, while some repetitive and form-based aspects can be automated, the core engineering, creative, and supervisory components confer resilience against large-scale automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
Non-Automatable
Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
Non-Automatable
Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
Partially Automatable
Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Partially Automatable
Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
Partially Automatable
Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
Partially Automatable
Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.
Partially Automatable
Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
Partially Automatable
Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Partially Automatable
Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.
Partially Automatable
Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
Partially Automatable
Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations.
Partially Automatable
Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
Partially Automatable
Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Therapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesGeographyMedicine and DentistryProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologySociology and AnthropologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingHistory and ArcheologyPsychology
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Oracle DatabaseSASAdobe InDesignAutodesk AutoCADEagle Point LANDCADDMicrosoft SharePointSAP softwareWeb browser softwareAdobe PhotoshopWord processing softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcViewMicrosoft OutlookPTC Pro/PipeMicrosoft ProjectOracle DatabaseSASAdobe InDesignAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft SharePointSAP softwareWeb browser softwareAdobe PhotoshopWord processing softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcViewMicrosoft ProjectEagle Point LANDCADDPTC Pro/PipeSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareOracle JavaPTC Creo ParametricOracle JavaPTC Creo ParametricMicrosoft AccessEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Access
Geothermal Production Managers
Medium50.68%
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Biofuels Production Managers
Medium54.44%
Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Medium52.42%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Medium44.96%
Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.
Water Resource Specialists
Medium52.67%
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Medium47.31%
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Environmental Engineers
Medium47.36%
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Medium48.11%
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Conservation Scientists
Medium46.68%
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Medium51.39%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Industrial Ecologists
Medium49.08%
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Agricultural Technicians
Medium50.20%
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Medium57.09%
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Medium40.64%
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium42.73%
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low24.73%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Food Scientists and Technologists
Medium47.16%
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Range Managers
Medium46.07%
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
Foresters
Medium47.18%
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Farm and Home Management Educators
Medium42.49%
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.