by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Agricultural Mechanization explores Agricultural Mechanization, General. A Program That Generally Prepares Individuals To Sell, Select, And Service Agricultural Or Agribusiness Technical Equipment And Facilities, Including Computers, Specialized Software, Power Units, Machinery, Equipment Structures, And Utilities. Includes Instruction In Agricultural Power Systems, Planning And Selecting Materials For The Construction Of Support Facilities, Mechanical Practices Associated With Irrigation And Water Conservation, Erosion Control, And Agricultural Data Processing Systems. Continue reading for the key facts every agricultural mechanization major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering agricultural mechanization programs.
Nationwide, agricultural mechanization is a widely-pursued major, with 502 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Agricultural Mechanization Schools ranking analyzes these 31 schools to determine the best overall colleges for agricultural mechanization students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of agricultural mechanization programs later in this article.
Studies in Agricultural Mechanization build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations agricultural mechanization graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a agricultural mechanization program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a agricultural mechanization major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several agricultural mechanization degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 96 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 148 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 224 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 34 |
People currently working in careers related to agricultural mechanization tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 32.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 20.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 17.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 16.1% |
| Master’s degree | 8.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 0.8% |
| Some college courses | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in agricultural mechanization careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in agricultural mechanization opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to agricultural mechanization.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to agricultural mechanization.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 211,822 | 9.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of agricultural mechanization graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,065 |
| 4 years | $59,906 |
| 5 years | $65,945 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for agricultural mechanization graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers agricultural mechanization grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $33,324 |
With 31 different agricultural mechanization programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased agricultural mechanization school rankings to help you.
Students interested in agricultural mechanization, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician | 751 |
| Agricultural Power Machinery Operation | 94 |
| Agricultural Mechanization, Other | 31 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
