Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
SOC Code: 49-3041Also known as:
Agricultural Equipment Mechanic (Ag Equipment Mechanic), Agricultural Mechanic (Ag Mechanic), Agricultural Service Technician (Ag Service Tech), Assembly Repairer, Combine Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$52,080
+11.0% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
39K
Current Jobs
What Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians Do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
💰 Salary
$52,080
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+11.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
39,000
Projected Employment (2034)
43,300
Related Careers
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980 •
+5.8% growth
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
$46,560 •
+2.5% growth
Industrial machinery mechanics
$63,760 •
+16.1% growth
Maintenance and repair workers, general
$48,620 •
+3.8% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Record details of repairs made and parts used.
- Dismantle defective machines for repair, using hand tools.
- Clean and lubricate parts.
- Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws.
- Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
- Tune or overhaul engines.
- Drive trucks to haul tools and equipment for on-site repair of large machinery.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a farm equipment mechanics and service technicians:
Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician
751 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Mechanization, General
502 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Power Machinery Operation
94 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Mechanization, Other
31 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become farm equipment mechanics and service technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do farm equipment mechanics and service technicians make?
The median annual salary for farm equipment mechanics and service technicians is $52,080.
What education do farm equipment mechanics and service technicians need?
Most farm equipment mechanics and service technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician, Agricultural Mechanization, General, Agricultural Power Machinery Operation.
Is becoming farm equipment mechanics and service technicians a good career choice?
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians is projected to see +11.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 3,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for farm equipment mechanics and service technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring farm equipment mechanics and service technicians include
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Purdue University-Main Campus, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Iowa State University, University of Missouri-Columbia.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to farm equipment mechanics and service technicians?
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians may also be known as: Agricultural Equipment Mechanic (Ag Equipment Mechanic), Agricultural Mechanic (Ag Mechanic), Agricultural Service Technician (Ag Service Tech), Assembly Repairer, Combine Mechanic, Dairy Equipment Installer, Dairy Equipment Mechanic, Dairy Equipment Repairer, Dairy Service Technician (Dairy Service Tech), Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech), Electric Milkers Installer, Equipment Service Tech (Equipment Service Technician), Equipment Technician (Equipment Tech), Farm Equipment Assembler, Farm Equipment Mechanic, Farm Equipment Service Technician (Farm Equipment Service Tech), Farm Equipment Technician (Farm Equipment Tech), Farm Implement Mechanic, Farm Machinery Assembler.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.