How much does a farm machine mechanic make?
Answer: A typical farm machine mechanic in the United States makes $56,550 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 38,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Farm machine mechanic pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,470 | $56,550 | $78,740 | about 38,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $63,030 | about 770 |
| South Dakota | $62,140 | about 820 |
| Washington | $61,370 | about 1,000 |
| Oregon | $60,830 | about 660 |
| Indiana | $60,460 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, in-demand skills, and optional certifications or manufacturer training. Employer and location matter too; specialized work on newer farm technology and longer busy-season hours can affect total pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a farm machine mechanic do?
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems. Excludes “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031).
What's a typical day like?
They inspect a tractor or harvester, listen for trouble, use diagnostic tools, and repair or replace parts before testing it. If a huge machine breaks in a field, they may take a truck loaded with tools to fix it there and record the work.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school, then study farm or diesel mechanics at a trade school or community college, or start as an apprentice. They learn on the job; no state license or certification is required, though optional industry or manufacturer training can help.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
During busy planting and harvest seasons, farm-equipment mechanics may work 12-hour days to get machines running when farmers need them most.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heavy-vehicle-and-mobile-equ
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3041.00
- www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Farm_Equipment_Mechanic_and_Technician
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2026/01/the-people-behind-the-machines-precision-agric
- seasonaljobs.dol.gov/jobs/H-300-25342-465273
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY