Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
SOC: 49-3041 O*NET: 49-3041.00
Median Salary
$56,550
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
What does a Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,470
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,450
25th percentile
Median
$56,550
50th percentile
Experienced
$65,580
75th percentile
Top Earners
$78,740
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,470
25th
$46,450
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$56,550
Mean: $57,290
75th
$65,580
90th
$78,740
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $41,270 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,450 and $65,580
- •Salary spread is 33.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 37,870 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:39,000
Top Industries
Wholesale Trade75.2%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods70.7%
Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers70.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11%
Annual Openings:3,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)39,000
Current
2034 (Projected)43,300
+11%
+4,300
Employment Change
+11%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 47 locations
California
4,730 jobs$53,7901.07x
Iowa
2,210 jobs$59,8605.83x
Texas
2,200 jobs$57,1500.64x
Kansas
2,130 jobs$50,2906.09x
Illinois
1,770 jobs$59,4301.19x
Nebraska
1,770 jobs$49,8107.09x
Minnesota
1,620 jobs$58,0402.26x
Wisconsin
1,560 jobs$58,8702.18x
Ohio
1,300 jobs$53,4000.96x
Indiana
1,200 jobs$60,4601.54x
Washington
1,120 jobs$61,3701.30x
Tennessee
1,030 jobs$47,8301.28x
Pennsylvania
990 jobs$51,3100.67x
Michigan
980 jobs$50,8700.91x
Missouri
960 jobs$51,3301.35x
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
Equipment Maintenance
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Multilimb Coordination
100%
#4
Repairing
94%
#5
Customer and Personal Service
92%
#6
Control Precision
92%
#7
Troubleshooting
86%
#8
English Language
82%
#9
Finger Dexterity
82%
#10
Operation and Control
80%
Skills Overview
Equipment Maintenance
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Multilimb Coordination
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced4.7
94%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced4.6
92%
Control Precision
advanced4.6
92%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.1
82%
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:
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Multilimb Coordination
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Control Precision
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance82%
knowledge
4.1/5.0
Finger Dexterity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines100%
5 shared skills
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Signal and Track Switch Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Boilermakers82%
5 shared skills
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Engineering and Technology
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★English Language
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 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
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 Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 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
MIXED
💪
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 mixed 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
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)General Responsibilities (11)
1
Record details of repairs made and parts used.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Clean and lubricate parts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Tune or overhaul engines.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •50% 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 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
💡 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?
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians 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 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.58
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.54
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.49
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.33
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.32
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.26
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.5
Persistence
4.5
Initiative
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Independence
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Integrity
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
💡 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
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians.
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 45 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 1 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: IN (6) , IL (5) , MT (4) , CA (3) , KS (3)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.7k program completions/year
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
914 program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
909 program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
882 program completions/year
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