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Agricultural Engineer
Do you have a "green thumb," and are you a lover of farms, farm animals, and the idea of raising food? Are Math and Science your favorite subjects, and could you see yourself using these gifts to make money by raising food on a mass scale? Are you simply amazed by the work of George Washington Carver, quite arguably the greatest Agricultural Engineer, Chemist, and Conservationist the world has ever known? If so, then maybe you should follow in his footsteps and walk in his extolled and legendary shadow.
Agricultural Engineers use their knowledge, the knowledge of engineering technology and biological science, to solve the problems of farmers and the agricultural industry, agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products. One aspect of their duties is to improve the quality and increase the production of farm products. Many Agricultural Engineers work for manufacturing companies that design and supply agricultural equipment, while others do extension service work for banks or insurance companies. A few are self-employed as consultants to farmers, manufacturers, and government agencies. Regular activities range from aquaculture (raising food, such as fish, that thrive in water) to land farming and forestry. Yet, more innovative duties of the versatile occupation calls for the development of biofuels, continuously improving conservation, planning animal environments, and forever finding better ways to process food.
Agricultural Engineers generally specialize in one of five major areas: farm structures, mechanical power, electrification, soil and water conservation, and food engineering. Those specializing in farm structures design farmhouses, barns, and other animal shelters, and crop storage facilities such as silos and granaries. Planning sanitation, ventilation, and heating systems for these buildings also goes into their designs for these farm structures. They also design power machines used on farms for land tilling, insect control, fertilization, and harvesting.
Students entering Agricultural Engineering Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous Agricultural Engineering training should expect a period 4 to 5 years to complete said program. A Professional Engineer's license (or PE) is required for those who want to provide Agricultural Engineering services directly to the public. Licensure typically follows 4 steps over a period of years: (1) earning a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering; (2) upon completion of degree, passing the 8-hour "Engineer in Training" (EIT or FE) standardized Agricultural Engineering exam; (3) completing 5 years of practical training or internship--"progressive" work experience with increasing responsibilities; and (4) passing the Agricultural Engineering Professional Engineer's (PE) licensing exam. In most states, continuing education is required to maintain licensure. Experienced, licensed Agricultural Engineers go on to establish their own Agricultural Engineering consulting firms and are able to do work that affects public health and safety.
Because food (crops and meat) will always be needed, so will Agricultural Engineers. There is no other industry that can match job security with food production.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $74,630
Salary Range: ~$44,180 - $118,330+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming an Agricultural Engineer have been to major in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biological & Agricultural Systems Engineering, or even Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Animal Science, Food Science, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Plant and Soil Sciences, or Natural Resource Management. Any of the above degrees could hold the title of Agricultural Engineer while working for a company under a licensed Agricultural Engineer, but because the work affects public health and safety, a Professional Engineer's license is required when one wishes to work independently.
For graduates of programs other than Agricultural Engineering who wish to start an Agricultural Engineering firm, going back to earn a Bachelor's Degree in the engineering major would make possible and accelerate the process of becoming a licensed Agricultural Engineer, thus enabling oneself to start a consulting firm and work directly for the public.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges and universities that have the Agricultural Engineering major are: North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Alabama A&M University (Normal, Alabama); Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida); Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas); Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana); Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee); and Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama).
Available Scholarships
