Agricultural Machinery Operation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals seeking hands-on expertise in modern agricultural operations, this program equips learners with the technical proficiency and practical knowledge required to safely and efficiently manage a wide range of powered machinery across diverse farming and agribusiness environments. Emphasis is placed on mastering the operation, maintenance, and application of specialized equipment used in crop production, livestock management, and resource distribution systems.
- Tractor and Hauling Systems: Learn to operate and navigate heavy-duty tractors and associated transport vehicles used in fieldwork, material handling, and logistics across large-scale agricultural operations.
- Planting and Harvesting Technology: Gain experience with precision machinery designed for seed placement, soil preparation, and efficient crop collection, including combine harvesters and automated planting units.
- Crop-Spraying and Aerial Application: Understand the use of both ground-based and airborne systems for targeted pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer application, with attention to environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
- Power and Utility Systems: Study stationary and mobile power sources used in irrigation networks, grain storage silos, water pumping stations, and energy systems supporting livestock facilities and on-farm processing.
- Livestock Support Equipment: Operate machinery integral to animal care, including automated feeding systems, shearing tools, and dairy processing units designed for efficiency and animal welfare.
- Mechanical and Electrical Principles: Develop foundational knowledge of engine systems, hydraulics, electrical circuits, and troubleshooting techniques essential for safe and reliable equipment performance.
- Safety and Operational Standards: Master industry-specific safety protocols, equipment inspection procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and reduce workplace risk.
Agricultural Machinery Operation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Agricultural Machinery Operation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Agricultural Machinery Operation degrees, including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians and Agricultural Equipment Operators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 76,520 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians 49-3041 | $52,080 | $36,920 - $76,860 | 36,880 | $25.04 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators 45-2091 | $42,580 | $31,240 - $57,790 | 30,940 | $20.47 |
Agricultural Machinery Operation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $44,075 in Hawaii to $74,717 in Michigan—a 70% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Montana, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 76,520 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Agricultural Machinery Operation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Agricultural Machinery Operation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Agricultural Machinery Operation is found at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) (25 graduates), Kishwaukee College (Kish) (16 graduates), Parkland College (15 graduates), Kirkwood Community College (13 graduates), and Iowa Lakes Community College (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 94 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) |
Associate's
|
25 | Calmar, Iowa | Public | nicc.edu |
| Kishwaukee College (Kish) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Malta, Illinois | Public | kish.edu |
| Parkland College |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
15 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | parkland.edu |
| Kirkwood Community College |
Associate's
|
13 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Public | kirkwood.edu |
| Iowa Lakes Community College |
Associate's
|
8 | Estherville, Iowa | Public | iowalakes.edu |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute |
Associate's
|
7 | Wooster, Ohio | Public | ati.osu.edu |
| Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Springfield, Illinois | Public | llcc.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Seward County Community College (SCCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Liberal, Kansas | Public | sccc.edu |
| South Central College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | North Mankato, Minnesota | Public | southcentral.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Agricultural Machinery Operation programs
How much can I earn with a Agricultural Machinery Operation degree?
Salaries for Agricultural Machinery Operation graduates vary by role and location. Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $86,350 annually, while Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians earn around $52,080. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $74,717 compared to $44,075 in Hawaii. Approximately 76,520 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Agricultural Machinery Operation programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Agricultural Machinery Operation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) (25 graduates), Kishwaukee College (Kish) (16 graduates), and Parkland College (15 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Agricultural Machinery Operation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 129 in 2010 to a peak of 118 in 2020, before declining slightly to 94 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Agricultural Machinery Operation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Agricultural Equipment Operators. Related occupations employ approximately 76,520 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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