Farm Equipment Operator

Your Fit

Income

$44K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

8.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Farm Equipment Operator?

A Farm Equipment Operator specializes in operating and maintaining the machinery used in agricultural production. These professionals are skilled in handling a variety of farm equipment, including tractors, combines, planters, and harvesters.

Sample job titles:

Equipment Operator, Farm Equipment Operator, Loader Operator, Rake Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Farm Equipment Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Farm Equipment Operator earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Farm Equipment Operator.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$35K per year	$44K per year	$52K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $21K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Farm Equipment Operator do?

Work environment

Farm Equipment Operators primarily work on farms, which can range from small family-owned operations to large commercial agricultural enterprises. Their work often involves long hours outdoors, especially during planting and harvest seasons, and requires physical stamina and a tolerance for various weather conditions.

Quick task list

Operates various types of farm machinery for planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on farm equipment.
Assists with farm planning, such as determining planting or harvesting schedules.
Ensures the proper settings and adjustments for optimal machinery performance.
Complies with safety regulations and environmental guidelines.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Crop Production Machinery Operation: Specializing in equipment for specific crops like grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Livestock Farm Machinery Operation: Focusing on machinery used in livestock farming, such as feed mixers or manure spreaders.
Organic Farm Equipment Operation: Operating machinery in organic farms, often involving specialized equipment.
Precision Agriculture Technology: Utilizing GPS and other technologies for precision farming.

Description

Farm Equipment Operators play a crucial role in the efficiency and success of agricultural operations. They must have a strong understanding of how various pieces of machinery work and be able to operate them safely and effectively. This requires not only technical skills but also a good knowledge of farming practices and crop management.

Operators need to be mechanically inclined, as they are often responsible for the basic maintenance and repair of the equipment they use. This includes understanding the mechanics of the machinery, being able to troubleshoot issues, and performing regular upkeep to ensure the equipment is in good working condition.

The occupation involves a combination of physical labor and technical skill, and it is essential for operators to be adaptable. They need to be able to work independently and make decisions on the fly, especially in response to changing weather conditions or unexpected equipment issues. Additionally, with advancements in agricultural technology, operators are increasingly required to be knowledgeable about precision agriculture and GPS-guided equipment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to the productivity and success of a farm.
The opportunity to work outdoors and operate a variety of machinery.
The satisfaction of mastering complex equipment and troubleshooting challenges.

You might make a good Farm Equipment Operator if you are...

Mechanically inclined and enjoy working with machinery.
Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Capable of handling physical tasks and long working hours during peak seasons.
Interested in agriculture and modern farming practices.
Able to work independently and make decisions under pressure.

Pros:

Opportunities to work with a range of high-tech agricultural machinery.
High demand for skilled operators, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
Potential for job satisfaction from seeing tangible results of your work.

Cons:

Seasonal fluctuations in work availability.
Physical demands and potential for long hours during peak seasons.
Exposure to the elements and the risks associated with operating heavy machinery.

How to become a Farm Equipment Operator

Typical education

Formal education requirements can vary, with many operators learning through on-the-job training. However, some may pursue vocational training or certificates in agricultural equipment operation, typically requiring 1-2 years of education beyond high school.

High school preparation

Courses:

Agricultural Education to learn the basics of farming practices.
Mechanics or Shop Classes to gain hands-on experience with machinery.
Mathematics and Science to understand the technical aspects of machinery operation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Future Farmers of America (FFA) or similar agricultural clubs.
Volunteering or working part-time on a farm.
Engaging in activities that involve mechanical skills, like robotics clubs or car repair.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training programs in agricultural machinery operation.
Certifications in specific types of farm equipment or precision agriculture technology.
Internships or apprenticeships on farms to gain hands-on experience.

More resources

National FFA Organization - Offers education and career development in agriculture.
Precision Ag Institute - Provides resources and information on precision agriculture technology.
Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) - Offers resources and information on agricultural economics and technology.
Farm Machinery & Equipment Association (FEMA) - A resource for those interested in farm machinery and equipment trends and training.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.