Exploring Ag Mechanics as a Career

Farmers use a lot of different equipment on a regular basis—which is why agricultural mechanics are essential.

From vehicles that help with harvesting to equipment used for irrigation, these machines are necessary and need to be kept in good condition so tasks around the farm can be completed on time.

If you love transportation, mechanics and agriculture, getting into ag mechanics as a career could make sense. As an agricultural mechanic, you’d help maintain and repair different kinds of agricultural equipment, powering people’s livelihoods and ability to feed themselves and their families.

Training and experience servicing different kinds of farming equipment is key for those interested in pursuing a career in the diesel industry, which is a great fit for those who love problem-solving and working with their hands.

Does the role of an agriculture mechanic sound intriguing to you? Then keep reading to find out more! Discover more about their responsibilities and how you can take steps toward becoming one yourself!

Key Summary Points

• Agricultural mechanics, also known as agricultural technicians, play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing farm equipment, ensuring high productivity in the agriculture sector. They work on a variety of machinery including tractors, plows, harvesters and irrigation systems.
• Those interested in a career as an agricultural mechanic should have a passion for problem-solving, mechanics and agriculture, as well as experience and training in working with different types of farming equipment.
• The job duties of an agricultural mechanic can vary but generally include testing electrical components, driving trucks to haul equipment, reassembling machinery, forging new metal parts and keeping maintenance logs.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. These figures provide a rough estimate for those considering a career in agricultural mechanics.
• To become an agricultural mechanic, a basic education (high school diploma or GED) is required, followed by specialized training or certification. Trade schools, such as Universal Technical Institute (UTI), offer programs like the 45-week Diesel Technology program that prepares students for careers in ag mechanics by providing foundational knowledge and skills in diesel technology and engine repair.^1,7

Read: Becoming a Diesel Fleet Mechanic

What Is Ag Mechanics?

Agricultural mechanics, also known as farm equipment mechanics or agricultural equipment technicians, repair and maintain various farming components. They test machine systems, troubleshoot problems when they arise and perform repairs on various types of equipment. By maintaining the machinery used by farmers, they help to keep productivity high.

While they possess many of the same skills as automotive or diesel mechanics, agricultural mechanics must have a specialized set of skills to work on the types of equipment commonly used on a farm. These include:

• Tractors and their various attachments
• Plows
• Fertilizer spreaders
• Harvesters
• Seeders
• Balers
• Trailers    

Read: Diesel Careers

Agricultural Mechanic Job Duties

Having general knowledge of what a farm equipment mechanic’s duties and responsibilities are can be helpful when considering it as a career. Farm equipment is used in a range of spaces, making these technicians necessary for different kinds of jobs. Some of their daily duties and tasks can include:

• Testing electrical components and wiring.
• Driving trucks to haul tools and equipment.
• Reassembling machinery and testing operations.
• Checking for defective or worn components.
• Forging new metal parts.
• Installing irrigation and plumbing systems.
• Lubricating and cleaning parts.
• Repairing malfunctioning engines and related parts.
• Keeping a log of maintenance reports.

These are just a few of the tasks that an agricultural mechanic might handle during a day of work, though their specific duties can vary depending on the equipment they’re working on.

Read: 3 Ways UTI’s Diesel Mechanic Trade School Can Prepare You for a Career

Agriculture Mechanic Salary and Job Outlook

Many people who enter the agricultural mechanics field start as entry-level automotive service technicians, mechanics or diesel technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides useful information regarding the ag mechanic salary and outlook prospects to give you an estimate.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023.²⁵ This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Diesel engines provide power to many of the vehicles used in agricultural work. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the U.S. was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹

Read: What Skills Can I Learn at Diesel Mechanic School?

How To Become an Agricultural Mechanic

Education and training are important for those wanting to pursue a career as an agricultural diesel technician. Having the knowledge and hands-on experience related to the different kinds of systems and instruments used in the industry is crucial before diving into the role.

Basic education in the form of a high school diploma or GED is often required. Different certifications and training might be required depending on the specific sector of the industry.

Attending a trade school could be the best way to get the training needed to be ready to enter the workforce as an agricultural mechanic. Trade schools can build a foundation of knowledge and skills that can come in handy in the transportation and agricultural industries.

For example, the 45-week Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) will expose students to foundational courses designed to teach them to repair, replace and diagnose issues with diesel technology and engines.^1,7

Those graduating from the program would be prepared with the knowledge needed to fix combines, tractors and a range of other equipment used in the farming industry. They could work in field service and travel from place to place or they might get employed by larger machinery wholesalers.

Read: Diesel Service Manager Explains the Benefits of a Career in Diesel

Ag Mechanics FAQs

1. What skills do ag mechanics need?

According to the BLS, mechanics who service heavy equipment, like farm equipment, should have a foundational understanding of diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, electronics and other relevant topics. They should also understand how engine components and systems work together, have good dexterity and be physically strong.

2. What certifications or licenses are required to work as a farm equipment mechanic?

While certification or licensing technically isn’t required to be a farm equipment mechanic, some employers may require mechanics to work toward industry-aligned credentials, such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Attending a diesel mechanic program accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, like UTI, can help.¹⁶

3. How long does it take to become an agricultural diesel mechanic?

The amount of time it takes to become a farm equipment mechanic depends on the path taken. While some employers are willing to perform on-the-job training, aspiring agricultural mechanics who attend vocational school first may require less training and be more appealing to potential employers.

4. What are the most common types of repairs that a farm equipment mechanic deals with?

Farm equipment mechanics commonly tackle repairs involving engines, hydraulic systems and transmission issues. They also frequently address problems with electrical systems, as well as perform routine maintenance procedures like oil changes, filter replacements and belt adjustments to keep machinery running smoothly and efficiently.

5. What is a typical day in the life of an agricultural equipment technician?

A typical day for an agricultural equipment technician might start with reviewing work orders and prioritizing tasks based on urgency. They could then spend their day using diagnostic tools to identify issues, repairing and maintaining equipment and keeping accurate logs of their work. Engaging in hands-on work while teaming up with other mechanics or farmers is all part of the job's dynamic and fulfilling nature!

Read: Train for a Career That’s In-Demand: Advice From a Diesel Employer

Prepare for a Career in Ag Mechanics at UTI!

If a career in agricultural mechanics sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step by getting hands-on diesel mechanic training.¹⁸ The diesel mechanic school at UTI prepares graduates to pursue entry-level jobs in the field!¹

To learn more, request information online or call us at 1-800-834-7308 today. We’ll connect you with an Admissions Representative who can help you get started on your training!

UTI Campuses That Offer Diesel Mechanic Training

• Avondale, Arizona
• Long Beach, California
• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Sacramento, California
• Miramar, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Lisle, Illinois
• Bloomfield, New Jersey
• Exton, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Houston, Texas