A farm equipment mechanic and service technician repairs and maintains the machinery that keeps farms running. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a certificate. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You repair and maintain the mechanical and electronic systems in farm equipment. Your days involve inspecting machinery for problems, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs. You handle and move parts, operate equipment and vehicles, and get information from manuals and customers to understand what needs fixing. You work with both mechanical components and electronic systems, applying knowledge of mechanics, engineering, and physics. The work is practical and detail-oriented, requiring you to think critically about problems and communicate clearly with equipment owners about what you find and what repairs cost.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians earn a median of $56,550 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 3,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most farm equipment mechanics start with a certificate program that covers mechanical repair, electronics, and equipment systems. These programs typically combine classroom learning with hands-on training. You will study mechanical principles, customer service, computers and electronics, and engineering fundamentals. The preparation level is medium, meaning you will need solid foundational skills in reading, math, and problem-solving. Some people enter the field through apprenticeships or on-the-job training combined with coursework. Look for programs at community colleges or trade schools that focus on agricultural equipment or heavy machinery repair.
Most routes into this field start with a certificate program, though some people combine on-the-job training with coursework. If you are deciding between different paths or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the farm equipment mechanic and service technician path that fits you with your school counselor or career advisor to build a plan that fits your timeline.
Many farm equipment mechanic and service technicians must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You like working with your hands and solving practical problems. You are curious about how machines work and enjoy diagnosing and fixing mechanical issues. You prefer concrete, tangible work over abstract tasks.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).