Agricultural Engineer Salary in 2026
Agricultural engineers design farming equipment, structures, and environmental systems. They apply engineering principles to improve agricultural production, sustainability, and food processing.
Median Salary
$82,000
$6,833/mo
Entry Level
$54,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$114,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Agricultural Engineer Overview
Agricultural engineers design farming equipment, structures, and environmental systems. They apply engineering principles to improve agricultural production, sustainability, and food processing.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
3K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$39.42/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,833
Agricultural Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Agricultural Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Agricultural Engineer Salary
$94,000
$7,833/month · $3,615/biweekly · $45.19/hr
Agricultural Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Agricultural Engineer field.
Entry-level Agricultural Engineers earn around $54,000, while the top 10% earn $124,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Agricultural Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| Illinois | $85,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $80,000 | $-2,000 |
| Iowa | $76,000 | $-6,000 |
| Nebraska | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Agricultural Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | $86,000 | +$4,000 |
| Chicago | $86,000 | +$4,000 |
| Dallas | $82,000 | $0 |
| Des Moines | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
| Lincoln | $74,000 | $-8,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Agricultural Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Agricultural Engineer from entry level to expert.
$54,000
0-2 years
$84,000
3-7 years
$114,000
8-14 years
$135,000
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Agricultural Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Agricultural Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Agricultural Engineer in the United States is $82,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $54,000, while senior professionals earn up to $114,000. Top earners in the field can make $135,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Agricultural Engineer?
A Agricultural Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Irrigation Systems, Precision Agriculture, AutoCAD. Relevant certifications such as PE License or FE Exam can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Engineers?
The job market for Agricultural Engineers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 3K Agricultural Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Agricultural Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Agricultural Engineers include Iowa, California, Texas. In Iowa, the median salary is approximately $76,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Agricultural Engineer salary?
To increase your Agricultural Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Irrigation Systems and Precision Agriculture. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Des Moines. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $54,000 to $114,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Agricultural Engineer Salary
How we calculate Agricultural Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $82,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Agricultural Engineer in the Engineering sector.
- Entry-level ($54,000) and senior-level ($114,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 3K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Engineering sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $82,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Agricultural Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Agricultural Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Agricultural Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Irrigation Systems, Precision Agriculture, AutoCAD), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.