Agricultural engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Agricultural service engineer, Land-based engineering technician

Agricultural engineering technicians help to solve practical engineering problems in land-based industries.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• agricultural engineering
• agricultural machinery engineering
• agricultural technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You can do a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Land-Based Technology or Land-Based Service Engineering at an agricultural college.

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T Levels
• funding advice
• search for agricultural colleges

Apprenticeship

You could do a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship. 

You can do this with an equipment manufacturer, service and repair contractor or at an agricultural college.

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct Application

You might be able to apply directly if you've got a qualification and experience in land-based engineering or servicing heavy plant equipment.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about a career in agricultural engineering from:

• We are land-based engineering
• Institution of Agricultural Engineers
• Landbased Engineering Training and Education Committee
• The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• concentration skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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 this role you could:

• help agricultural engineers develop new products
• create equipment plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
• install and test machinery
• research machinery developments and market trends
• demonstrate and sell new equipment and deal with enquiries

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a workshop or in a factory.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and 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:

• become a senior agricultural engineering technician or workshop manager
• become self-employed if you have the knowledge and industry contacts
• move into a senior sales, management or inspection
• move into a training role and become a further education teacher 

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Construction Plant Service Engineer Apprenticeship

• Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
• Location: London Medway Commercial Park, Stoke Road, Kingsnorth Rochestor

Land Based Engineering Apprentice

• Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
• Location: Barnstaple

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Agriculture Engineering

• Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
• Start date: 08 September 2025
• Location: Tonbridge

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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• Engineering maintenance technician
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Skills assessment

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• 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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