USA Career Guide - Agricultural Engineer

Education and Training Requirement
Industrial Overview
Job Prospects

Education and Training Requirement

To become an agricultural engineer one requires to obtain bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering which is a 4 years college degree program approved from ABET. Students interested to make a career in agricultural engineering must obtain high school qualification in mathematics including algebra, trigonometry and calculus and sciences like physics, chemistry and biology. Cooperative programs are offered by most of the colleges and universities which provides work experience during course work.

Related Instructional Programs / Degrees for Agricultural Engineer in USA

Candidates aspiring to be an Agricultural Engineer/Biological Engineer may enroll for:

•  Advanced Diploma,
  
• Bachelor's like B.S / B.Tech;
•  Master's like MS / M.Tech and,
•  PhD Program in Agricultural Engineering
•  At times program is offered by Agricultural Engineering Department / Biological Engineering Department of the University.

Industrial Overview

Employment of agricultural engineers is expected to grow 9 percent between 2010 and 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor)

In United States, Agricultural Engineers are also called Biological Engineers. In industry these engineers are responsible for:

• Application of Computer Design (CAD) to design agricultural machinery.
• Testing of agricultural machinery and equipments.
• Supervision of food processing units.
• Designing of Agricultural Products Processing houses.
• Lend advice on water quality and other related issues.
• Discuss plans and projects with clients and fellow engineers.

Job Prospects of an Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Engineer work in the areas like aquaculture, farming, forestry, biofuels, animal farms and food processing etc. They work as part of an engineering team which is directed by a chief or project engineer. They may also supervise other engineers, technicians, or workers. An agricultural engineer applies his knowledge to farming so as to produce better yield is the prime responsibility an agricultural engineer. Work avenues are also open to agricultural engineer in water resources management, environmental planning and management etc. Following are some employers of Agricultural Engineers:

• Scientific, and technical services,
• Supplying consultant services to farmers and farm-related industries
• Consulting Firms
• Colleges and Universities
• Peace Corps
• Professional Associations
• The World Bank
• U.S. Federal Government and State and Local Affiliates
  

Pay of an Agricultural Engineer in the US Median annual wages, May 2010 Architectural, engineering, and related services - $78,940 Food manufacturing - $77,670 Federal government, excluding postal service - $74,770 Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing - $63,310 Educational services; state, local, and private - $52,450 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)