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Agricultural Engineers vs. Agricultural Inspectors: Who Earns More?

Agricultural Engineers out-earn Agricultural Inspectors by $49K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Engineers land at $98,590 and Agricultural Inspectors at $49,940. The education gap is real: agricultural engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while agricultural inspector programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Engineers is Ohio ($119,250); for Agricultural Inspectors it's Minnesota ($77,150).

Agricultural Engineers
Agricultural Inspectors
Median salary
$98,590
$49,940
Hourly rate
$47.4/hr
$24.01/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$68,060
$37,020
Senior level (90th %)
$166,460
$79,580
Education required
Bachelor's degree
No formal educational credential
U.S. employment
1,480
14,410
Job growth (10-year)
5.9%
1.5%
Category
Engineering
Farming & Fishing
Top-paying state
Ohio
Minnesota

Pay by state

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

State
Agricultural Engineers
Agricultural Inspectors
Ohio
$119,250
$69,280
Minnesota
$115,940
$77,150
Iowa
$96,290
$49,600
Texas
$95,220
$49,940
Indiana
$94,730
$48,560
Mississippi
$91,560
$39,960
Colorado
$88,650
$50,430
Oklahoma
$86,970
$53,060
Michigan
$80,490
$65,730
Pennsylvania
$80,300
$55,650
Arkansas
$57,740
$42,060

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

Common questions

Who earns more, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Inspectors?

Agricultural Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $98,590 for Agricultural Engineers versus $49,940 for Agricultural Inspectors, a difference of $49K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Inspectors?

Agricultural Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 5.9% projected growth, compared to 1.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Agricultural Engineers or Agricultural Inspectors?

Agricultural Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Agricultural Inspectors 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 Inspectors pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Ohio, Agricultural Engineers earn $119,250 vs. $69,280 for Agricultural Inspectors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Agricultural Engineers salary breakdownView →Full Agricultural Inspectors salary breakdownView →Best cities for Agricultural Engineers by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Agricultural Inspectors by take-home payExplore →How to become a agricultural engineersGuide →How to become a agricultural inspectorsGuide →