Agricultural engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Agricultural engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $98,590 per year — about $47 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 2K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +6%.
AI & Automation Risk
Agricultural engineering is a hybrid role that combines digital design and data analysis with physical site visits and hardware testing. While AI will significantly automate core tasks like CAD modeling, environmental simulation, and precision farming data analysis, the requirement for physical oversight of construction, equipment testing in the field, and real-world troubleshooting provides a buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-ILBEST VALUE | $124,340 | Below avg (95.0) | $130,921 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $86,970 | Below avg (91.4) | $95,106 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $86,320 | Below avg (91.5) | $94,375 |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR | $40,690 | Average (100.0) | $40,690 |