Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn $71,278 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 11.0%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Agricultural Mechanization is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $71,278 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 90 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,402 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$58,929
Median Earnings · 4yr
$71,278
Colleges Offering
90
Graduates / Year
1,402
Avg Net Price / yr
$12,341
How Much Do Agricultural Mechanization Graduates Earn?
Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn $71,278 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,640 and $88,997.
$58,929
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$71,278
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$73,393
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Agricultural Mechanization graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$51,64025th pct.
$71,278Median
$88,99775th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $71,278 against an estimated $49,364 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 24 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 1,402 students who complete Agricultural Mechanization programs each year, the majority (51%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
25%51%22%
Associate's51%
Certificate25%
Bachelor's22%
What Can You Do With an Agricultural Mechanization Degree?
Agricultural Mechanization connects to 5 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Sciences Teachers leads at $98,700/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
High school diploma or equivalent16,500 openings/yr177K employed nationally
RepairingTroubleshootingEquipment MaintenanceOperations MonitoringOperation and Control
Day-to-day responsibilities
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
High school diploma or equivalent3,700 openings/yr38K employed nationally
Equipment MaintenanceRepairingTroubleshootingOperation and ControlCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Reassemble machines and equipment following repair, testing operation and making adjustments, as necessary.
Maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
Examine and listen to equipment, read inspection reports, and confer with customers to locate and diagnose malfunctions.
Top Colleges for Agricultural Mechanization
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Agricultural Mechanization students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Agricultural Mechanization graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Agriculture Programs
Agricultural Mechanization is one of 19 specializations within Agriculture. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Agricultural Mechanization program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Agricultural Mechanization a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $71,278 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +11.0% over the next decade, with Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 41,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
How much do Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn?
Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn a national median of $71,278 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,640 and $88,997. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Agricultural Mechanization degree?
One year after graduation, Agricultural Mechanization degree holders earn a median of $58,929. That climbs to $71,278 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Agricultural Mechanization degree?
Agricultural Mechanization degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, which pays a median of $98,700/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Agricultural Mechanization program take?
A Agricultural Mechanization associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Agricultural Mechanization?
90 colleges and universities in the United States offer Agricultural Mechanization programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Agricultural Mechanization degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $71,278 and an average net price of roughly $12,341/yr, a Agricultural Mechanization degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Agricultural Mechanization and Agriculture?
Agricultural Mechanization is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Agricultural Mechanization-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Agricultural Mechanization graduates?
Employers hiring Agricultural Mechanization graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
Is graduate school worth it for Agricultural Mechanization graduates?
With a median salary of $71,278, graduate study in Agricultural Mechanization can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Mechanization graduates?
The job outlook for Agricultural Mechanization graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +11.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Agriculture Programs
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