Agricultural Engineers vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators: Who Earns More?
Agricultural Engineers out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $57K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Engineers land at $98,590 and Agricultural Equipment Operators at $41,730. The education gap is real: agricultural engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while agricultural equipment operator programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Engineers is Ohio ($119,250); for Agricultural Equipment Operators it's Montana ($58,770).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $98,590 for Agricultural Engineers versus $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators, a difference of $57K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 5.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural 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 Agricultural Engineers get paid the most?
Ohio is the top-paying state for Agricultural Engineers at $119,250/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Engineers vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Ohio, Agricultural Engineers earn $119,250 vs. $47,220 for Agricultural Equipment Operators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.