Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

O*NET 49-3041.00 · SOC 49-3041

Farm Equipment Mechanic is a strong career choice. Median pay is $57k a year with +10.7% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 3,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+10.7%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$57k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
4k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Repair and calibrate tractor hydraulic lift systems
  • →Replace worn cutting blades on combine harvesters
  • →Diagnose electrical faults in farm equipment control systems
  • →Overhaul planting equipment before spring planting season
  • →Weld cracked frames and metal parts on farm machinery

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Farm Equipment Mechanic positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Farm Equipment Mechanic involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningRepair and calibrate tractor hydraulic lift systems
MiddayReplace worn cutting blades on combine harvesters
AfternoonDiagnose electrical faults in farm equipment control systems

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)4.3
Investigative (Thinkers)3.0
Social (Helpers)1.3
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.1
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Farm Equipment Mechanic?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Farm Equipment Mechanic Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Similar Careers

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Job Outlook

Employment of Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians is projected to grow 10.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

35/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Farm Equipment Mechanic make?

The median Farm Equipment Mechanic earns $57k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Farm Equipment Mechanic jobs?

Our model puts Farm Equipment Mechanic at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Farm Equipment Mechanic a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 10.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 3,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Farm Equipment Mechanic?

Most Farm Equipment Mechanic roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a Farm Equipment Mechanic?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Farm Equipment Mechanic career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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