Agricultural engineers are scientists who design and develop solutions for the agricultural industry. Agricultural engineers use everything from computers and farm machinery to biology and chemistry to improve agricultural production, processing and distribution of food. Agricultural engineers play a critical role in producing safe food.
A career as an Agricultural Engineer generally requires a bachelor’s degree in either Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural Science. Agricultural engineers work with people to improve the efficiency of agricultural systems, develop new technology and products and provide consultation on farm management.
Agricultural engineers work as consultants, administrators and researchers in food and agricultural industries. This position generally requires a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or related field, but a master’s degree is often preferred for senior engineering positions.
Starting Salary For Agricultural Engineer Overview
The average salary of an agricultural engineer in Nigeria is N180,100.
Agricultural engineering is a broad field that involves the application of science and technology to agriculture and related industries. This can include agricultural machinery, irrigation techniques, animal science, soil chemistry and biology, plant pathology, pest control methods, environmental impact assessments and more.
The salary for an agricultural engineer in Nigeria varies depending on their level of experience as well as their area of expertise within the industry. For example, an entry-level agricultural engineer may earn about N120,000 per year while someone with five years of experience could earn up to N250,000 per year.
Agricultural engineers who specialize in specific areas such as crop production or animal husbandry will see their salaries increase depending on the demand for those types of skills within their region or country. For example: If there are many farms in Nigeria producing palm oil then it would make sense for them to hire someone with knowledge about how palm trees grow well in their climate so that they can maximize profits by using fewer resources like water or fertilizer.”
What Agricultural Engineers Do
Agricultural engineers attempt to solve agricultural problems concerning power supplies, the efficiency of machinery, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
Duties of Agricultural Engineers
Agricultural engineers typically do the following:
- Use computer software to design equipment, systems, or structures
- Modify environmental factors that affect animal or crop production, such as airflow in a barn or runoff patterns on a field
- Test equipment to ensure its safety and reliability
- Oversee construction and production operations
- Plan and work together with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers to ensure effective and desirable outcomes
Agricultural engineers work in farming, including aquaculture (farming of seafood), forestry, and food processing. They work on a wide variety of projects. For example, some agricultural engineers work to develop climate control systems that increase the comfort and productivity of livestock whereas others work to increase the storage capacity and efficiency of refrigeration. Many agricultural engineers attempt to develop better solutions for animal waste disposal. Those with computer programming skills work to integrate artificial intelligence and geospatial systems into agriculture. For example, they work to improve efficiency in fertilizer application or to automate harvesting systems.
How to Become an Agricultural Engineer
Education for Agricultural Engineers
Students who are interested in studying agricultural engineering will benefit from taking high school courses in math and science. University students take courses in advanced calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry. They also may take courses in business, public policy, and economics.
Entry-level jobs in agricultural engineering require a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree programs in agricultural engineering or biological engineering typically include significant hands-on components in areas such as science, math, and engineering principles. Most colleges and universities encourage students to gain practical experience through projects such as participating in engineering competitions in which teams of students design equipment and attempt to solve real problems.
Important Qualities for Agricultural Engineers
Analytical skills. Agricultural engineers must analyze the needs of complex systems that involve workers, crops, animals, machinery and equipment, and the environment.
Communication skills. Agricultural engineers must understand the needs of clients, workers, and others working on a project. Furthermore, they must communicate their thoughts about systems and about solutions to any problems they have been working on.
Math skills. Agricultural engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced mathematical disciplines for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.
Problem-solving skills. Agricultural engineers’ main role is to solve problems found in agricultural production. Goals may include designing safer equipment for food processing or reducing erosion. To solve these problems, agricultural engineers must creatively apply the principles of engineering.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Agricultural Engineers
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as an agricultural engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses. For licensing requirements, check with your state’s licensing board.
Advancement for Agricultural Engineers
New engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. As they gain knowledge and experience, beginning engineers move to more difficult projects and increase their independence in developing designs, solving problems, and making decisions.
With experience, agricultural engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some advance to become engineering managers. Agricultural engineers who become sales engineers use their engineering background to discuss a product’s technical aspects with potential buyers and to help in product planning, installation, and use.
Engineers who have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. are more likely to be involved in research and development activities, and may become postsecondary teachers.
Agricultural Engineer Salaries
The median annual wage for agricultural engineers is $82,640. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,030.
The median annual wages for agricultural engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Engineering services | $99,030 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $86,820 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | $72,140 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | $62,350 |
Agricultural engineers typically work full time. Schedules may vary because of weather conditions or other complications. When working on outdoor projects, agricultural engineers may work more hours to take advantage of good weather or fewer hours in case of bad weather.
In addition, agricultural engineers may need to be available outside of normal work hours to address unexpected problems that come up in manufacturing operations or rural construction projects.
Agencies that have hired an Agricultural Engineer
| Agency | Employees Hired | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation Service | 240 | $81,381.84 |
| Agricultural Research Service | 77 | $129,010.22 |
| Agricultural Marketing Service | 3 | $63,844.00 |
| Food and Drug Administration | 3 | $136,169.00 |
| Indian Affairs | 2 | $112,520.00 |
| Environmental Protection Agency | 2 | $104,350.00 |
| Bureau of Reclamation | 1 | $90,845.00 |
