Farm Equipment Mechanic

Print

Work Tasks

• Service and fix farm machinery and vehicles like tractors, hay balers, crop dryers, planters, pumps, and tillage equipment
• Check engines and fix or replace parts that are not working right
• Test to make sure everything works correctly
• May install and fix milking, irrigation, and other types of farm equipment
• Work indoors on farm equipment for farm equipment dealers and repair shops, and outside at farms for emergency repairs
• Work with farm equipment such as irrigation machines, tillers, grain elevators, combines, hay balers, crop dryers, planters, and tractors

Salary, Size & Growth

• $37,500 average per year ($18.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (30,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Training in diesel or gasoline mechanics
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in agricultural mechanics
• Skills/Courses: Courses in electronics, hydraulics, computers, and reading circuit diagrams and blueprints.