Agricultural engineers design and develop systems and equipment to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency. They work with a variety of other engineers, including:
- Mechanical engineers design and build machines and equipment used in agriculture, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation systems.
- Electrical engineers design and install electrical systems and equipment used in agriculture, such as lighting, motors, and controls.
- Civil engineers design and build structures and infrastructure used in agriculture, such as barns, roads, and bridges.
- Environmental engineers design and implement systems to protect the environment from the impacts of agriculture, such as water pollution and erosion control.
- Food engineers design and develop food products and processes, such as food safety and preservation techniques.
These are just a few of the many types of engineers who help agricultural engineers improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture.
Table 1: Number of Engineers Employed in Agriculture
| Engineering Discipline | Number of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Agricultural engineers | 26,000 |
| Mechanical engineers | 18,000 |
| Electrical engineers | 12,000 |
| Civil engineers | 10,000 |
| Environmental engineers | 8,000 |
| Food engineers | 6,000 |
Table 2: Average Salary of Engineers in Agriculture
| Engineering Discipline | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Agricultural engineers | $85,000 |
| Mechanical engineers | $82,000 |
| Electrical engineers | $80,000 |
| Civil engineers | $78,000 |
| Environmental engineers | $76,000 |
| Food engineers | $74,000 |
Table 3: Job Outlook for Engineers in Agriculture
| Engineering Discipline | Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
|---|---|
| Agricultural engineers | 5% growth |
| Mechanical engineers | 4% growth |
| Electrical engineers | 3% growth |
| Civil engineers | 2% growth |
| Environmental engineers | 1% growth |
| Food engineers | 0% growth |
Table 4: Educational Requirements for Engineers in Agriculture
| Engineering Discipline | Educational Requirements |
|---|---|
| Agricultural engineers | Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or a related field |
| Mechanical engineers | Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering |
| Electrical engineers | Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering |
| Civil engineers | Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering |
| Environmental engineers | Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering |
| Food engineers | Bachelor’s degree in food engineering or a related field |
Conclusion
Agricultural engineers work with a variety of other engineers to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture. These engineers are essential to the food supply chain and help to ensure that we have a safe, affordable, and sustainable supply of food.