Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.
SOC: 45-2091.00
Common Job Titles
Equipment Operator
Farm Equipment Operator
Loader Operator
Rake Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate tractors, combines, and specialized harvesting equipment in field conditions to support planting, cultivating, and harvesting operations.
Proficient
Hands-onCoordinate tillage implements including plows, disks, and cultivators to prepare soil for optimal seed placement across varied terrain.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess equipment performance and crop conditions through continuous monitoring during field operations.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute preventive maintenance and field repairs on agricultural machinery following manufacturer specifications and safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeDiagnose mechanical and operational issues in farm equipment using troubleshooting procedures to minimize downtime.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate precision application systems for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides using sprayers and spreaders to ensure uniform coverage.
Developing
Hands-onPerform post-harvest processing tasks including threshing, drying, and storage operations using grain dryers, augers, and handling equipment.
Developing
KnowledgeEvaluate equipment selection and operational parameters based on crop type, field conditions, and production goals.
Developing
MindsetRespect safety regulations and environmental standards when operating equipment and handling agricultural chemicals.
Developing
MindsetEngage in collaborative communication with farm supervisors and crew members to coordinate daily work activities and equipment sharing.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Agricultural Equipment Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,940
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,640. 50th percentile: U.S. $42,580. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,690. 90th percentile: U.S. $57,790. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$31,240
10% of workers earn the following or more
$57,790
Workers on average earn
$43,920
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language3.4/5
Mechanical2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Mathematics2.8/5
Transportation2.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
