Agricultural engineers
SOC Code: 17-2021
Agricultural engineers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $84,630 and +5.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Agricultural engineers (SOC 17-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $84,630, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Agricultural engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
- 2. Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
- 3. Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
- 4. Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
- 5. Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
- 6. Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
- 7. Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
- 8. Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
- 9. Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
- 10. Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Evaluation
- Mathematics
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Food Production
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Agricultural engineers?
Agricultural engineers has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Agricultural engineers is projected to grow by 5.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Agricultural engineers?
Key skills for Agricultural engineers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Agricultural engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Agricultural engineers is $84,630, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Agricultural engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Agricultural engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Agricultural engineers?
Agricultural engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).