Agricultural Equipment Operators

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.

Tasks Include:

Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery and notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions.
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
Mix specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
Operate or tend equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment.
Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.
Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers.
Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools.
Load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, handtrucks, forklifts, or transfer augers.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +7.8%

National: +8.4%

Education

Less than a High School Diploma

Job Zone:

One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)

Median Earnings:

National

$39,690.00

State

$43,710.00

Regional

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Description

Career Cluster:

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Education

Required Level of Education

Less than a High School Diploma = 56.78%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 19.13%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 14.41%
Some College Courses = 9.53%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 0.14%

Related Work Experience

None = 20.43%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 18.92%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 18.77%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 18.01%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.75%
Up to and including 1 month = 8.03%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 1.81%
Over 10 years = 0.84%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.44%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 40.26%
Up to and including 1 month = 29.53%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 17.42%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.53%
None = 2.97%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 0.29%

On-the-Job Training

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 55.86%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 13.04%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 10.09%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.39%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.24%
None or short demonstration = 1.81%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 0.58%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery and notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions.
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
Mix specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
Operate or tend equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment.
Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.
Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers.
Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools.
Load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, handtrucks, forklifts, or transfer augers.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Irrigate soil, using portable pipes or ditch systems, and maintain ditches or pipes and pumps.
Direct and monitor the activities of work crews engaged in planting, weeding, or harvesting activities.
Load hoppers, containers, or conveyors to feed machines with products, using forklifts, transfer augers, suction gates, shovels, or pitchforks.
Operate towed machines such as seed drills or manure spreaders to plant, fertilize, dust, and spray crops.
Drive trucks to haul crops, supplies, tools, or farm workers.
Walk beside or ride on planting machines while inserting plants in planter mechanisms at specified intervals.
Weigh crop-filled containers, and record weights and other identifying information.
Guide products on conveyors to regulate flow through machines, and to discard diseased or rotten products.
Position boxes or attach bags at discharge ends of machinery to catch products, removing and closing full containers.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Sprayers (2-point sprayers)
Sprayers (3-point sprayers)
Seed drills (Air carts)
Seed drills (Air drill seeders)
Combine harvesters (Air reels)
Seed drills (Air seeders)
Disks (All terrain vehicle ATV discs)
Harrows (All terrain vehicle ATV harrows)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (All terrain vehicle ATV manure spreaders)
Ploughs (All terrain vehicle ATV plows)
Hole diggers (All terrain vehicle ATV post hole diggers)
Graders or land levelers (All terrain vehicle ATV rakes)
Seeder attachment (All terrain vehicle ATV seeders)
Sprayers (All terrain vehicle ATV sprayers)
All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled (All terrain vehicles ATV)
Wagons (Auger wagons)
Backhoes
Air dryers (Batch grain dryers)
Graders or land levelers (Bed shapers)
Graders or land levelers (Bedding hippers)
Bucket conveyors (Bucket elevators)
Cargo trucks
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Chaff spreaders)
Disks (Chisel disks)
Ploughs (Chisel plows)
Harvester parts or accessories (Combine cylinders)
Harvester parts or accessories (Combine draper headers)
Harvester parts or accessories (Combine grain headers)
Harvester parts or accessories (Combine headers)
Agricultural tractors (Compact tractors)
Composter (Compost turners)
Air dryers (Continuous flow grain dryers)
Disks (Coulter disks)
Seed drills (Coulter drills)
Harrows (Coulter rippers)
Crop dividers
Crop dividers (Crop lifters)
Power chippers (Crop shredders)
Harrows (Disk rippers)
Ditchers (Ditch systems)
Silos (Dry bulk storage tanks)
Agricultural tractors (Farm tractors)
Conveyor screw (Feed conveyors)
Grinding mills (Feed grinders)
Container trailers (Feed mixer wagons)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Fertilizer blenders)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Fertilizer spreaders)
Cultivators (Field cultivators)
Agricultural rollers (Field rollers)
Shovels (Flat-ended shovels)
Sprayers (Flotation sprayers)
Power blowers (Forage blowers)
Container trailers (Forage boxes)
Harvesters (Forage harvesters)
Agricultural tractors (Forage tractors)
Container trailers (Forage wagons)
Forklifts
Harvesters (Garlic harvesters)
Conveyor screw (Grain augers)
Fans (Grain bin aeration fans)
Combine harvesters (Grain combines)
Seed drills (Grain drills)
Air dryers (Grain heaters)
Vacuum pumps (Grain pumps)
Vacuum pumps (Grain vacuums)
Container trailers (Grain wagons)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Granular applicators)
Seed drills (Grass drills)
Seeder attachment (Grass seeders)
Container trailers (Gravity wagons)
Hammer mills (Hammermills)
Harrows (Harrow baskets)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale accumulators)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale compressors)
Chain conveyors (Hay bale conveyors)
Chain conveyors (Hay bale elevators)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale feeders)
Garden forks (Hay bale forks)
Skid steer loaders (Hay bale loaders)
Skid steer loaders (Hay bale movers)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale shredders)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale spears)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale stackers)
Flatbed trailers (Hay bale trailers)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale unrollers)
Haymaking machinery (Hay bale wrappers)
Haymaking machinery (Hay balers)
Haymaking machinery (Hay conditioners)
Haymaking machinery (Hay tedders)
Haymaking machinery (Haybines)
Flatbed trailers (Header carriers)
Feed mixers (Horizontal feed mixers)
Graders or land levelers (Land finishers)
Graders or land levelers (Land levelers)
Graders or land levelers (Land planes)
Agricultural rollers (Land rollers)
Graders or land levelers (Land scrapers)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Lime spreaders)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Liquid ferilizer applicators)
Storage tanks (Liquid storage tanks)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Litter spreaders)
Conveyor screw (Manure augers)
Sludge shredders (Manure chopper pumps)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Manure injection systems)
Pulled scrapers (Manure scrapers)
Dewatering equipment (Manure separators)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Manure spreaders)
Collection tanks (Manure storage tanks)
Cultivators (Min-till cultivators)
Seed drills (Min-till drills)
Planters (Min-till planters)
Fog or mist generators (Mist blowers)
Mowers (Mower conditioners)
Global positioning system receivers (Novariant AutoFarm RTK AutoSteer)
Storage tanks (Nurse tanks)
Disks (Offset disks)
Cultivators (Pasture renovators)
Harvesters (Peanut digger inverters)
Harvesters (Peanut digger shakers)
Harvesters (Peanut diggers)
Air dryers (Peanut dryers)
Container trailers (Peanut dump carts)
Harvesters (Peanut harvesters)
Ploughs (Plows)
Hand sprayers (Portable sprayers)
Post hole digger (Post drivers)
Post hole digger (Post hole diggers)
Winches (Power winches)
Grapples (Rock windrowers)
Agricultural rollers (Roller packers)
Haymaking machinery (Rotary hay rakes)
Hoeing machines (Rotary hoes)
Cultivators (Rotary tillers)
Cultivators (Row crop cultivators)
Container trailers (Seed bins)
Conveyor screw (Seed conveyors)
Seed drills
Air dryers (Seed dryers)
Container trailers (Seed hoppers)
Seed treating equipment (Seed mixers)
Floor or platform scales (Seed scales)
Harvesters (Seed strippers)
Conveyor screw (Seed tenders)
Vacuum pumps (Seed vacuums)
Sprayers (Self-propelled sprayers)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Shavings spreaders)
Animal husbandry equipment (Silage baggers)
Container trailers (Silage bins)
Container trailers (Silage boxes)
Animal husbandry equipment (Silage distributors)
Metallic bins (Silage feeders)
Grinding mills (Silage mills)
Container trailers (Silage wagons)
Animal husbandry equipment (Silage wrappers)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Silo spreaders)
Sprayers (Skid sprayers)
Haymaking machinery (Skid steer hay bale spears)
Skid steer loaders
Post hole digger (Skid steer post drivers)
Post hole digger (Skid steer post hole diggers)
Post hole digger (Skid steer post pullers)
Grapples (Skid steer rock grapples)
Cultivators (Skid steer rotary tillers)
Forestry saws (Skid steer tree cutters)
Combine harvesters (Soybean combine harvesters)
Sprayers (Sprayer booms)
Sprayers (Sprayer chassis)
Fertilizer spreaders or distributors (Straw and chaff spreaders)
Power grinders (Stump grinders)
Agricultural tractors (Subcompact tractors)
Subsoilers
Haymaking machinery (Swath turners)
Disks (Tandem disks)
Forklifts (Telehandlers)
Threshing machines (Threshers)
Harvesters (Tomato harvesters)
Air dryers (Tower grain dryers)
Agricultural tractors (Track tractors)
Global positioning system receivers (Tractor guidance systems)
Conveyor screw (Transfer augers)
All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled (Utility vehicles)
Haymaking machinery (V hay rakes)
Weeders (Weed wipes)
Wheel loaders
Mowers (Windrow inverters)
Mowers (Windrowers)

Technologies Include:

Data base user interface and query software

Martens Farms Farm Trac

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Farm Management Software Hay and Crop Manager

Map creation software

Martens Farms Farm Site Mate

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Special Requirements

Why Earn a Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operation?

Certification in heavy equipment operation--especially certification bestowed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), tells a potential employer that no matter where you may have previously worked or where you attended classes in heavy equipment operation, you have the skills and experience to get the job done.

For More Information, Contact:

The National Center for Construction Education and Research
3600 NW 43rd Street, Bldg. G, Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: 352.-33.911
Phone: 888.-62.3720
Fax: 352.-33.932
http://www.nccer.org/

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
59.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Skills

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
68.75	Operations Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
53.00	Troubleshooting	Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50.00	Repairing	Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
50.00	Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
50.00	Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Multilimb Coordination	The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
72.00	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
65.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
59.50	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
59.50	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
59.50	Depth Perception	The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
56.25	Response Orientation	The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
56.25	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
56.25	Rate Control	The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
56.25	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
56.25	Reaction Time	The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
53.00	Static Strength	The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
53.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
53.00	Trunk Strength	The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
53.00	Hearing Sensitivity	The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
53.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50.00	Extent Flexibility	The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
50.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
50.00	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
86.00	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
81.75	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
79.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
79.00	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
78.75	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
77.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
74.00	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
73.00	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
69.25	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
67.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
64.75	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
64.50	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
63.75	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
63.25	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
62.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
62.00	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
60.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
60.00	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
58.50	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
54.75	Monitoring and Controlling Resources	Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
54.50	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
53.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
51.50	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
70.75	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
70.50	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
70.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
69.00	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
68.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
66.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
63.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
61.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
59.75	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
58.25	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
58.00	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
57.25	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
56.00	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
56.00	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
53.25	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
51.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
55.50	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
86.00	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather	How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
83.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
81.40	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
78.00	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures	How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
77.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
75.80	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
74.40	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
73.60	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
73.60	In an Open Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
73.00	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
71.80	Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment	How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
68.80	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
68.20	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
68.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
63.60	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
62.60	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
62.60	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
62.40	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
62.40	Outdoors, Under Cover	How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
60.80	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
59.80	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
59.60	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
58.80	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
57.60	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
57.00	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
55.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
54.40	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
51.40	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
50.80	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Examples
- These occupations involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include agricultural equipment operators, dishwashers, floor sanders and finishers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, logging equipment operators, baristas, and maids and housekeeping cleaners.
Education
- Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$30,050.00	$39,690.00	$46,650.00
Virginia	$37,060.00	$43,710.00	$47,110.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	$35,050.00	$39,180.00	$43,510.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$37,670.00	$43,670.00	$46,210.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	$38,470.00	$45,160.00	$47,980.00
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	62,700	68,000	+8.4%
Virginia	2,407	2,595	+7.8%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	332	403	+21.4%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	276	327	+18.5%
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	169	191	+13.0%
New River/Mt. Rogers	158	173	+9.5%
Northern Virginia	104	129	+24.0%
Piedmont Workforce	496	588	+18.5%
Shenandoah Valley	512	591	+15.4%
South Central	140	146	+4.3%
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Power, Structural & Technical Systems Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

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CareerOneStop Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	4.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	4.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	4.0
Handling and Moving Objects	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Performing General Physical Activities	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.5
Developing and Building Teams	3.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Getting Information	3.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Documenting/Recording Information	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	2.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	2.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	2.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	2.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	2.5
Working with Computers	2.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	2.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.0
Analyzing Data or Information	2.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	2.0
Performing Administrative Activities	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Titles

Agricultural Plow Operator
Baler
Baler Operator
Bean Picker Machine Operator
Berry Picker Machine Operator
Broomcorn Thresher
Bulbs Farmworker
Cane Flume Chute Operator
Cane Flume Feeding Machine Operator
Cane Piler
Chopper Operator
Combine Driver
Combine Operator
Corn Cutter
Corn Detasseler Machine Operator
Corn Husker Machine Operator
Cotton Baler
Cotton Chopper
Cotton Ginner
Cotton Picker Operator
Cotton Stripper
Cultivator
Custom Harvester
Cutter Operator
Dairy Machine Operator Farmworker
Diversified Crops Farmworker
Equipment Operator
Equipment Operator Wage Hand
Farm Equipment Operator
Farm Hand
Farm Laborer
Farm Machine Tender
Farm Manager
Farm Tractor Operator
Farm Worker
Farmer
Fertilizer Applicator
Fertilizing Machine Operator
Field Crop Farmworker
Field Crops Harvest Machine Operator
Field Hauler
Fruit Farmworker
Fruit Harvest Machine Operator
Fruit Harvester, Machine Operator
Fruit Loader, Machine Operator
Fruit Picker, Machine Operator
Fruit Thinner, Machine Operator
General Farmworker
Gin Operator
Ginner
Ginning Operator
Grain Combine Driver
Grain Combiner
Grain Farmworker
Grain Thresher
Harvester Operator
Hay Baler
Hay Chopper
Hay Rake Operator
Hay Stacker Operator
Irrigation Worker
Laborer
Lime Spreader
Liquid Fertilizer Servicer
Loader Operator
Machine Farmworker
Machine Milker
Machine Operator Cane Cutter
Machine Operator Farmworker
Machine Operator Hay Stacker
Machine Operator Hop Picker
Machine Operator Hop Worker
Machine Operator Picker
Machine Operator Replanter
Machine Operator Transplanter
Machine Pecan Gatherer
Machine Pecan Picker
Machine Tender
Mechanic
Milking Machine Operator
Mushroom Growth Media Mixer
Nut Sheller Machine Operator
Orange Picker Machine Operator
Packing Tractor Machine Operator
Peanut Picker
Peanut Shaker
Picker Operator
Planter
Planting Machine Crewman
Planting Machine Operator
Plowman
Portable Feed Mill Operator
Potato Bucker
Potato Picker
Rake Operator
Raking Machine Operator
Replanting Machine Crewman
Replanting Machine Operator
Rice Farmworker
Seed Potato Arranger
Sprayer
Straw Baler
Sugar Cane Planter Machine Operator
Sugar Cane Planting Equipment Operator
Thresher
Tobacco Primer Machine Operator
Tractor Driver
Tractor Operator
Tractor Operator Helper
Truck Driver
Vegetable Farmworker
Vegetable Harvest Machine Operator
Vegetable Loader Machine Operator
Wheat Combine Driver
Windrower Operator

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Agricultural Equipment Operators

Related Schools

Iowa Lakes Community College
Ivy Tech Community College
Kirkwood Community College
Kishwaukee College
Lake Land College
Lincoln Land Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Parkland College
South Central College

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)