by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 44 U.S. colleges awarded 866 degrees and certificates in Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 44% of graduates. College Factual ranks 17 schools in its 2027 Best Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology 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.
A major in Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology explores Agricultural Mechanics And Equipment/machine Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Maintain And Repair Specialized Farm, Ranch, And Agribusiness Power Equipment And Vehicles. Includes Instruction In The Principles Of Diesel, Combustion, Electrical, Steam, Hydraulic, And Mechanical Systems And Their Application To The Maintenance Of Terrestrial And Airborne Crop-Spraying Equipment; Tractors And Hauling Equipment; Planting And Harvesting Equipment; Cutting Equipment; Power Sources And Systems For Silos; Irrigation And Pumping Equipment; Dairy, Feeding, And Shearing Operations; And Processing Systems. Examples: [Agricultural Equipment Mechanic], [Agricultural Equipment Technician], [Agricultural Machinery Technician], [Farm Equipment Service Technician].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology is a popular field of study, with 866 degrees awarded annually. 44 colleges award agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology degrees, an average of 20 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 229.
By level, the 866 awards include 207 certificates, 385 associate degrees and 274 master’s degrees.
Women earned 8% of agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (65 of 866). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (515) and Hispanic or Latino (294), and international students earned 4.
College Factual ranks 17 schools in its 2027 Best Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology Schools ranking, including 11 for associate degrees. It also ranks agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology schools within 3 states. In all, 44 colleges offer agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology credential is the associate degree: 385 of the 866 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology call most for Repairing, Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting, and for knowledge of Mechanical, English Language and Engineering and Technology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Problem Sensitivity, Near Vision and Manual Dexterity.
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How long an agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 207 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 385 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 274 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology, at 61.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 61.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 19.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 11.5% |
| Some college courses | 6.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology, with an average median salary of $43,167; the strongest outlook belongs to Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, at 11.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Dinkey Engine Mechanic, Hydraulic Mechanic, Propeller-Driven Airplane Mechanic and Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology, at 654,564.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 654,564 | 11.7% |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 211,822 | 9.4% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 67,931 | 3.2% |
Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology 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 same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to agricultural mechanics & equipment/machine technology, with a median salary of $56,998.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $56,998 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $39,180 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $33,324 |
Agricultural Mechanics & Equipment/Machine Technology has 3 similar majors in the Agriculture field, which together award 625 degrees a year; the largest are Agricultural Mechanization, General (473), Agricultural Power Machinery Operation (125) and Agricultural Mechanization, Other (27). Browse all Agriculture majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Mechanization, General | 473 |
| Agricultural Power Machinery Operation | 125 |
| Agricultural Mechanization, Other | 27 |
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