Agricultural equipment operators: the force that powers our farms

Equipment operators play a vital role in the farming industry. They operate and maintain the equipment used in virtually every stage of modern agricultural production, from the combines used to harvest crops to the loading machines that prepare them for market. Agricultural equipment operators work with all kinds of farming machinery including tractors, raking equipment, berry pickers, threshers and hay balers. Their important work is essential for tilling soil, planting seeds, fertilizing plants and harvesting crops.

Working with heavy-duty farm equipment requires a unique skillset and specialized training. To be a successful farm machinery operator, you need to have excellent physical coordination and driving skills as well as mechanical aptitude and the ability to make decisions quickly. In short, you need to be good with machines and good with your hands. You should also love spending time outdoors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for an agricultural equipment operator is $15.12 an hour.

If you think you have what it takes to become a farm equipment operator, there are certification programs available that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience. In these courses, you’ll acquire a thorough knowledge of how various machines work and learn safe operating and maintenance techniques along with tips for how to maximize machine productivity. Becoming a certified farm equipment operator can improve your chances of landing a job at a competitive salary.