OVERVIEW : Agricultural engineers are involved in maintaining the food supply of our nation by devising ways to boost agricultural production, sustainable agricultural methods, mechanized farming techniques, control pests and weeds in a more safe and effective manner, and by conserving soil and water. They are involved in the studies of various crops and farm animals and develop ways of improving their quality and quantity. Some agricultural engineers may also conduct research in converting agricultural products and wastes into fuels. They may also design various types of agricultural machinery, equipments, sensors, processes, and structures, such as those used for crop storage. They may also undertake research in improving crop yields and increasing the productivity and nutritive value of soil.
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| Agricultural Engineering |
JOB DESCRIPTION : Agricultural engineers devise ways and means to increase the productivity of our food crops and help to increase the productivity of the soil by increasing its nutrient content and by efficient and environmental friendly control of pests and weeds that hinder agricultural production. Some agricultural engineers specialize in areas such as power systems and machinery design, structural and environmental engineering, and food and bioprocess engineering. There are rapid technological developments in the field of agricultural engineering and science which have opened new and exciting avenues for work and research. These areas include the area of genetics and specifically biotechnology. In this area, agricultural engineers/scientists alter the genes of various crops making them more productive and resistant to disease. Some of agricultural engineers are working with chemists and biologists to produce alternative fuels from agricultural products, such as ethanol from corn.
JOB OUTLOOK : Agricultural engineers are going to be in demand due to the increasing food security needs and a growing population. A bachelor's degree may be required for an entry level job but for jobs in various research positions, a masters or PhD in the subject may be required.
DEGREES OFFERED : Associates - Bachelors - Masters - Doctorate/PhD - Certificate
SALARY : Type of Industry Salary
Architectural, engineering, and related services $78,940
Food manufacturing $77,670
Federal government, excluding postal service $74,770
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing $63,310
Educational services; state, local, and private $52,450
SOURCE : U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
EXPECTED JOB GROWTH : According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural engineers are expected to have employment growth of nine percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations. Employment growth should result from the need to increase crop yields to feed an expanding population and to produce crops used as renewable energy sources. Moreover, engineers will be needed to develop more efficient agricultural production and to conserve resources. In addition, engineers will be needed to meet the increasing demand for biosensors, used to determine the optimal treatment of crops. The median salary of an agricultural engineer during May 2010 was $71,090.
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing $63,310
Educational services; state, local, and private $52,450
SOURCE : U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
EXPECTED JOB GROWTH : According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural engineers are expected to have employment growth of nine percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations. Employment growth should result from the need to increase crop yields to feed an expanding population and to produce crops used as renewable energy sources. Moreover, engineers will be needed to develop more efficient agricultural production and to conserve resources. In addition, engineers will be needed to meet the increasing demand for biosensors, used to determine the optimal treatment of crops. The median salary of an agricultural engineer during May 2010 was $71,090.
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