by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 75 U.S. colleges awarded 1,491 degrees and certificates in Agricultural Mechanization. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 39% of graduates. College Factual ranks 40 schools in its 2027 Best Agricultural Mechanization Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $55,065 one year after completing, rising to $67,757 after four years.
Agriculture mechanization refers to the technological advancements in farming that have helped decrease the amount of labor-intensive activities through the use of machinery.
While working towards this degree, you will learn everything there is to know about engines, combines, tractors, balers, and other mechanical devices used on farms. This major will expose you to the different technologies currently used in electric power and processing, water maintenance and irrigation, and building construction. You will learn to weld and draft along with how to build, repair, manage, and operate all types of farm equipment.
If you would like to concentrate on certain areas within Agriculture Mechanization, some schools offer specialties, such as Agricultural Power Machinery Operation and Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology.
A major in Agricultural Mechanization explores Agricultural Mechanization.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, agricultural mechanization is a widely-pursued major, with 1,491 degrees awarded annually. 75 colleges award agricultural mechanization degrees, an average of 20 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 229.
By level, the 1,491 awards include 326 certificates, 585 associate degrees, 244 bachelor’s degrees and 320 master’s degrees.
Women earned 8% of agricultural mechanization degrees and certificates in the latest year (127 of 1,491). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,049) and Hispanic or Latino (341), and international students earned 5.
College Factual ranks 40 schools in its 2027 Best Agricultural Mechanization Schools ranking, including 18 for associate degrees and 12 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks agricultural mechanization schools within 12 states. In all, 75 colleges offer agricultural mechanization programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Agricultural Mechanization Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common agricultural mechanization credential is the associate degree: 585 of the 1,491 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to agricultural mechanization call most for Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Mechanical, English Language and Customer and Personal Service, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Problem Sensitivity, Deductive Reasoning and Oral Expression.
A career in Agricultural Mechanization is best suited for those who enjoy equipment maintenance. You will spend most of your time ensuring the upkeep of tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. Since agricultural technology is quickly advancing, knowledge of computers and operating systems is necessary. Attention to detail is a required skill because of the complexity of agricultural machines and farm operating systems. Someone considering this career should also be innovative and flexible so you can properly assess and fix any technological issues.
Unlike other agricultural careers, jobs in agricultural mechanization often hold a traditional 40-hour work week. This degree often leads to careers in management positions, so you must be prepared to coordinate, supervise, and manage others. Good customer service and communication skills are a must.
In order to learn more about the career, you might consider working a summer job, internship, or apprenticeship to gain experience. These experiences will give you the opportunity to work with skilled agricultural mechanics and learn about the use and upkeep of farming technology and machines.
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How long an agricultural mechanization degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 326 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 585 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 244 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 320 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to agricultural mechanization, at 34.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 34.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 18.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 17.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.7% |
| Master’s degree | 4.8% |
| Some college courses | 3.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 3.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Agricultural Mechanization, with an average median salary of $51,412; the strongest outlook belongs to Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, at 11.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Assistant Professor, Adjunct Instructor, Faculty Member and Instructor.
A degree in Agricultural Mechanization opens up the possibility of numerous careers within the agricultural field. Some people decide to open their own business while others go into product service and testing or service management. New inventions are constantly popping up within the agricultural industry causing a demand for people educated in agricultural mechanization. This is a field that is offering good opportunities to those with formal training.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to agricultural mechanization, at 654,564.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 654,564 | 11.7% |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 211,822 | 9.4% |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | 202,912 | 0.6% |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | 145,100 | 0.8% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 67,931 | 3.2% |
Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn a median $55,065 one year after completing their program, $67,757 after four years and $65,945 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,065 |
| 4 years | $67,757 |
| 5 years | $65,945 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to agricultural mechanization is Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary, with a median salary of $86,398.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $86,398 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $56,998 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $39,180 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $33,324 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | $25,669 |
Agricultural Mechanization includes 4 concentrations that together award 1,491 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician (866), Agricultural Mechanization, General (473) and Agricultural Power Machinery Operation (125). It has 18 similar majors in the Agriculture field, which together award 52,642 degrees a year; the largest are Agricultural Business and Management (8,920), Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians (8,916) and Animal Sciences (8,777). Browse all Agriculture majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management | 8,920 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 8,916 |
| Animal Sciences | 8,777 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | 4,242 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 3,882 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | 3,822 |
| Plant Sciences | 3,510 |
| Agriculture, General | 3,002 |
| Food Science and Technology | 2,250 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services | 1,217 |
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