Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians keep agricultural machinery in working order, supporting farms and related operations. Nationally, about 39,000 people work in this occupation, with projected employment growth of 11.0%. This combination of an established workforce and continued growth suggests ongoing demand for new and experienced technicians. An estimated 4,000 annual openings create regular entry points for students, career changers, and workers seeking more stable roles. The work draws on mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, physical strength and stamina, and the ability to solve problems carefully and accurately. Customer service skills also matter, as technicians often interact with equipment owners and operators. With a national median salary of $52,080, this career can offer solid earnings for those who build their technical abilities. Individuals who enjoy hands-on mechanical work, applying science and mathematics, and making practical repairs may find this a strong and sustainable career path to explore.
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians earn a national median annual salary of $52,080. Pay levels can vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $47,700 in Virginia to $61,370 in Washington. California and New York show median salaries of $53,790 and $56,550, while Colorado sits at $55,400. In metro areas, median earnings can be higher. For example, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro shows $75,900, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $74,210. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a median of $68,690, and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ reports $60,920. These variations indicate that larger metro areas in states such as California, Washington, and New York may offer higher median pay, while still aligning with the overall national median level for this occupation.
Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians have a national employment base of 39,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of 11.0%. This projected growth indicates that the total number of positions is expected to expand over time. In addition to growth, the occupation is expected to generate about 4,000 annual openings. These openings can result from a mix of new positions and turnover in existing roles. For job seekers, this combination of an established employment base, positive projected growth, and recurring annual openings points to a labor market with ongoing opportunities to enter or advance in the field. Individuals considering this path can expect that both new and replacement positions should continue to appear, supporting long-term career planning and the potential for movement between employers and regions as openings arise.
Location can significantly shape opportunities for farm equipment mechanics and service technicians. Among states with the highest opportunity scores, California stands out with 4,730 employed workers, a median salary of $53,790, and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York has a smaller employment base of 650 but a higher median salary of $56,550 and an opportunity score of 65.78. Washington combines a median of $61,370 with 1,120 employed and an opportunity score of 56.29. Colorado and Virginia offer median salaries of $55,400 and $47,700, respectively, with more moderate employment levels and opportunity scores. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ leads with an opportunity score of 77.27 and a median salary of $60,920. Several West Coast metros—Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—show particularly high median salaries ranging from $68,690 to $75,900, paired with strong opportunity scores, highlighting meaningful differences between certain urban and state labor markets.
The typical education requirement for farm equipment mechanics and service technicians is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who are ready to enter the workforce after high school while building their technical capabilities on the job or through additional training. Success in this occupation relies on a combination of practical and cognitive skills. Important abilities include fine motor skills, mechanical aptitude, and physical strength and stamina for hands-on tasks. The role also draws on science and mathematics, as well as critical and analytical thinking for troubleshooting. Problem solving and decision making are central to identifying and addressing equipment issues. Being detail oriented supports accurate work, and customer service skills help in dealing with equipment owners and operators. Creativity and innovation can further enhance a technician’s effectiveness by supporting new approaches and solutions within this technical environment.
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