Aerospace Engineers vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators: Who Earns More?
Aerospace Engineers out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $93K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineers land at $134,960 and Agricultural Equipment Operators at $41,730. The education gap is real: aerospace engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while agricultural equipment operator programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers is Minnesota ($159,060); for Agricultural Equipment Operators it's Montana ($58,770).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Aerospace Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers versus $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators, a difference of $93K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 6.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Aerospace Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Agricultural Equipment Operators requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineers get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers at $159,060/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineers vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Aerospace Engineers earn $159,060 vs. $48,520 for Agricultural Equipment Operators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.