Best colleges for Agricultural Mechanization
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Agricultural Mechanization by graduate earnings are California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ($73,053), Iowa State University ($63,321) and University of Missouri-Columbia ($52,522), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA): $73,053, 28 graduates a year
- Iowa State University (Ames, IA): $63,321, 27 graduates a year
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia, MO): $52,522, 33 graduates a year
- South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD): $47,492, 21 graduates a year
Compare 75 U.S. colleges offering Agricultural Mechanization by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 26 states.
Agricultural Mechanization programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $54,829 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 01.02 and the Agricultural Equipment Operators occupation (BLS SOC).
About Agricultural Mechanization programs
The Agricultural Mechanization program focuses on the integration of machinery into agricultural practices, transitioning from manual labor to machine-assisted processes. This program is ideal for students interested in enhancing efficiency in farming and agricultural operations through mechanized solutions. It encompasses various specializations, including agricultural power machinery operation and irrigation management technology. Students in this program will engage with the principles of mechanical operations and learn how to effectively operate and maintain agricultural machinery. This field is suited for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and technology, seeking to improve productivity in farming through innovative mechanization techniques.
Core skills and knowledge in the Agricultural Mechanization program include mechanical principles, mathematics, and safety protocols. Coursework typically covers equipment operation, maintenance, and the application of machinery in agricultural settings, preparing students for hands-on roles in the industry.
Top 10 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,053 | 28 | 86% | — | — |
| 2 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $63,321 | 27 | 75% | — | $20,946 |
| 3 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,522 | 33 | 75% | — | $18,479 |
| 4 | South Dakota State University Brookings, SD Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,492 | 21 | 62% | — | $22,000 |
| 5 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $63,369 | 17 | 55% | — | — |
| 6 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $63,239 | 15 | 71% | — | $19,344 |
| 7 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $59,052 | 14 | 67% | — | $23,750 |
| 8 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $58,806 | 19 | 83% | — | $20,270 |
| 9 | North Dakota State University Fargo, ND Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $52,387 | 9 | 64% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Mayaguez, PR Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $28,227 | 10 | 49% | — | $9,750 |
Top 12 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, ND Public · Associate degree | $62,531 | 37 | 55% | — | $12,553 |
| 2 | Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, IA Public · Certificate | $56,331 | 37 | 51% | — | $7,500 |
| 3 | Fort Scott Community College Fort Scott, KS Public · Associate degree | $56,322 | 41 | 35% | — | — |
| 4 | Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SD Public · Associate degree | $55,301 | 21 | 76% | — | — |
| 5 | Lake Land College Mattoon, IL Public · Associate degree | $53,448 | 42 | 58% | — | — |
| 6 | Owens Community College Perrysburg, OH Public · Associate degree | $53,350 | 24 | 35% | — | — |
| 7 | Northwest Mississippi Community College Senatobia, MS Public · Associate degree | $49,040 | 23 | 45% | — | — |
| 8 | Perry Technical Institute Yakima, WA Private not-for-profit · Certificate | $43,797 | 33 | 79% | $24,069 | $7,892 |
| 9 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA Public · Associate degree Small program | $54,829 | 19 | 43% | — | — |
| 10 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI Public · Certificate Small program | $44,467 | 17 | 66% | — | — |
| 11 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GA Public · Associate degree Small program | $43,446 | 14 | 61% | — | — |
| 12 | Navarro College Corsicana, TX Public · Certificate | $43,216 | 105 | 23% | — | — |
Specializations within Agricultural Mechanization
4 of the 5 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 01.02 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/CIP 01.0205
Machine Technology/ Technician 866 graduates / yr44 institutions19 states - Agricultural MechanizationCIP 01.0201467 graduates / yr27 institutions17 states
- Agricultural Power Machinery OperationCIP 01.0204partial data124 graduates / yr9 institutions4 states
- Agricultural MechanizationCIP 01.0299partial data27 graduates / yr6 institutions6 states
Show all 5 codes (1 with no U.S. programs reported)+
- Irrigation Management Technology/
Technician01.0207
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Offered across 26 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 45-2091, Agricultural Equipment Operators, and its national outlook.
The career outlook for graduates in Agricultural Mechanization is promising, with a projected growth rate of 7.7% and approximately 10,500 annual job openings. The median wage for positions in this field is around $42,580, and many roles do not require formal educational credentials, making it accessible for a wide range of students.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Agricultural Mechanization
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 01.02.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 01.02 (Agricultural Mechanization) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1041 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 45-2091 | Agricultural Equipment Operatorsprimary |
| 49-3011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians |
| 49-3041 | Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians |
| 49-3042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Agricultural Mechanization programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, handtrucks, forklifts, or transfer augers.
- Mix specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
- Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers.
- Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
- Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.
- Operate or tend equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Agricultural Mechanization, Agricultural Power Machinery Operation, and Irrigation Management Technology.
What skills will I develop in the Agricultural Mechanization program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and equipment operation.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 7.7% and 10,500 annual openings.
What is the typical wage for careers in this field?+
The median wage for positions in Agricultural Mechanization is approximately $42,580.
How much do Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn?+
Agricultural Mechanization graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $54,829, College Scorecard (2019); the Agricultural Equipment Operators occupation pays about $43,710 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Agricultural Mechanization?+
Agricultural Mechanization maps to CIP 01.02 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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