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Salary comparison

Acupuncturists vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators: Who Earns More?

Acupuncturists out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $34K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Acupuncturists land at $76,040 and Agricultural Equipment Operators at $41,730. The education gap is real: acupuncturist programs typically require master's degree, while agricultural equipment operator programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Acupuncturists is Tennessee ($141,430); for Agricultural Equipment Operators it's Montana ($58,770).

Acupuncturists
Agricultural Equipment Operators
Median salary
$76,040
$41,730
Hourly rate
$36.56/hr
$20.06/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$38,830
$33,500
Senior level (90th %)
$161,470
$58,650
Education required
Master's degree
No formal educational credential
U.S. employment
7,830
28,500
Job growth (10-year)
6.8%
7.7%
Category
Healthcare
Farming & Fishing
Top-paying state
Tennessee
Montana

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Acupuncturists median pay.

State
Acupuncturists
Agricultural Equipment Operators
New Jersey
$125,260
$41,660
Indiana
$120,490
$46,280
Maryland
$101,650
$39,580
Massachusetts
$93,360
$49,150
Missouri
$89,000
$46,490
New York
$86,120
$50,020
Kentucky
$85,130
$42,000
Wisconsin
$84,820
$47,100
Washington
$83,200
$38,470
Maine
$83,040
$46,490
North Carolina
$76,500
$39,580
California
$75,530
$38,820
Minnesota
$69,690
$48,520
Michigan
$65,490
$42,380
Oregon
$64,870
$44,150

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Acupuncturists or Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Acupuncturists earn more nationally. The median is $76,040 for Acupuncturists versus $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators, a difference of $34K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Acupuncturists or Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 6.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Acupuncturists or Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Acupuncturists typically requires master's degree. Agricultural Equipment Operators requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Acupuncturists get paid the most?

Tennessee is the top-paying state for Acupuncturists at $141,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Acupuncturists vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Acupuncturists earn $125,260 vs. $41,660 for Agricultural Equipment Operators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Acupuncturists salary breakdownView →Full Agricultural Equipment Operators salary breakdownView →Best cities for Acupuncturists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Agricultural Equipment Operators by take-home payExplore →How to become a acupuncturistsGuide →How to become a agricultural equipment operatorsGuide →