Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.
Agricultural Equipment Operators
SOC: 45-2091 O*NET: 45-2091.00
Median Salary
$41,730
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.6%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or less
Job Zone 1
Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.
What does a Agricultural Equipment Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$36,810
25th percentile
Median
$41,730
50th percentile
Experienced
$48,100
75th percentile
Top Earners
$58,650
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,500
25th
$36,810
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$41,730
Mean: $43,710
75th
$48,100
90th
$58,650
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $25,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $36,810 and $48,100
- •Salary spread is 27.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 28,500 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:66,900
Top Industries
Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry52%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting52%
Support Activities for Crop Production51.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.6%
Annual Openings:10,100
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)66,900
Current
2035 (Projected)72,600
+8.6%
+5,700
Employment Change
+8.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Agricultural Equipment Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
California
7,940 jobs$38,8202.38x
Texas
2,200 jobs$34,2600.85x
Illinois
1,910 jobs$46,0501.71x
Iowa
1,530 jobs$47,2205.37x
Nebraska
1,090 jobs$46,6705.83x
Minnesota
900 jobs$48,5201.67x
Missouri
900 jobs$46,4901.67x
Wisconsin
830 jobs$47,1001.53x
Indiana
810 jobs$46,2801.39x
Florida
790 jobs$36,6600.43x
Arizona
730 jobs$36,6001.22x
Kansas
670 jobs$45,5702.55x
Ohio
600 jobs$47,2200.59x
Georgia
570 jobs$35,4100.64x
North Carolina
550 jobs$39,5800.61x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
English Language
100%
#2
Operation and Control
100%
#3
Control Precision
100%
#4
Multilimb Coordination
92%
#5
Operations Monitoring
90%
#6
Near Vision
82%
#7
Troubleshooting
80%
#8
Far Vision
74%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
70%
#10
Depth Perception
66%
Skills Overview
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Control Precision
advanced5.0
100%
Multilimb Coordination
advanced4.6
92%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.5
90%
Near Vision
intermediate4.1
82%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.0
80%
Far Vision
intermediate3.7
74%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Control Precision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Multilimb Coordination
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance90%
skills
4.5/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Far Vision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Depth Perception
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers86%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers78%
5 shared skills
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners78%
5 shared skills
Logging Equipment Operators75%
5 shared skills
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand71%
5 shared skills
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons71%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Repairing
- →Depth Perception
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓English Language
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Control Precision
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★English Language
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Control Precision
- ★Near Vision
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Agricultural Equipment Operators
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (4)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery and notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Irrigate soil, using portable pipes or ditch systems, and maintain ditches or pipes and pumps.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Mix specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Operate or tend equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Direct and monitor the activities of work crews engaged in planting, weeding, or harvesting activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Load hoppers, containers, or conveyors to feed machines with products, using forklifts, transfer augers, suction gates, shovels, or pitchforks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Agricultural Equipment Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Agricultural Equipment Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Agricultural Equipment Operators
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.83
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.82
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.80
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.76
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.75
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.65
Complete Work Styles Profile
Persistence
3.8
Dependability
3.8
Cooperation
3.8
Attention to Detail
3.8
Independence
3.8
Initiative
3.6
Integrity
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or less
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 1
Little or No Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or less
These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed.
Training:
Short demonstration or on-the-job training
💼 Experience Requirement
Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • On-the-job training is typical
- • Tasks can be learned within a few days or weeks
- • Basic skills development
1
Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed.
On-the-job training is typicalTasks can be learned within a few days or weeksBasic skills development
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Agricultural Equipment Operators.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 48 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 2 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: IL (16) , OH (5) , MO (4) , TX (3) , CA (2)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Agricultural Equipment Operators
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Reedley College
Reedley, CA
736 program completions/year
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
509 program completions/year
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
275 program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
241 program completions/year
Blinn College District
Brenham, TX
202 program completions/year
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave, VA
200 program completions/year
PPG Technical College
Caguas, PR
199 program completions/year
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MN
188 program completions/year
Merced College
Merced, CA
181 program completions/year
Southern Technical College
Orlando, FL
175 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
167 program completions/year
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA
157 program completions/year
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