ADOL Logo

Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 17-2021 Agricultural Engineers
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.
Default
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks: Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems. Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources. Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries. Design agricultural machinery components and equipment using computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made. Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems. Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation. Supervise food processing or manufacturing plant operations. Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction. Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance. Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities. Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity. Meet with clients such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs. Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
License: License not required.
Outlook: poor
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $28.13   Entry $58,500.00
Mean $38.35   Mean $79,761.00
Experience $43.46 Experience $90,396.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
506051.83
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Animal Scientists
Biochemical Engineers
Biomedical Engineers
Geographers
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Materials Engineers
Petroleum Engineers
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Transportation Engineers
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
17-2021.00 Agricultural Engineers