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Agricultural engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Land-based engineer

Agricultural engineers build, service and repair agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Agricultural engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural machinery engineering. These courses are offered by land-based engineering institutions.

You can also get into this career with a higher national diploma or degree in environmental, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

More Information

College

A level 2 or level 3 Diploma in Land-based Technology or Agricultural Engineering may get you started in this role.

You could also do a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

Entry requirements

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

This usually takes about 36 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.

Once working, you would complete further training to become an engineer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work as an agricultural engineering technician and train on the job to qualify as an engineer.

More Information

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • complex problem-solving skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • persistence and determination
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties, you might:

  • assess the environmental impact of agricultural production methods
  • supervise building projects, like land drainage, reclamation and irrigation
  • solve engineering problems, like designing vehicles for all ground and weather conditions
  • test and install new equipment, like harvesters or crop sprayers
  • use GPS, weather data and computer modelling to give advice on land use
  • plan service and repair programmes for machinery

Working environment

You could work in an office, on a farm or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into project management or specialist technical research and development.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status by applying to the Engineering Council. As a chartered engineer you'll plan, research and develop new ideas. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers has more information.

You could also move into technical sales, business development, teaching or consultancy work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Land Based Engineer

  • Wage: £16,380 a year Annually
  • Location: PLUNGAR, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Construction Plant Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: ADDLINGTON COURT, BIRCHWOOD WARRINGTON, CHESHIRE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Agricultural Engineering Level 3

  • Provider: SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Penkridge

Agricultural Engineering Level 2 (LF)

  • Provider: SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Penkridge
Find courses near you

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