Agricultural Technician / Farm Equipment Operator in Des Moines, IA
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Des Moines-area Agricultural Technician / Farm Equipment Operators
💰 Des Moines Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Des Moines figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Agricultural Technician / Farm Equipment Operator Work in Des Moines
Agricultural technicians support farming operations by operating sophisticated farm machinery, monitoring crop conditions, and assisting with precision agriculture technologies. America's farms increasingly rely on GPS-guided equipment, drone monitoring, and data analytics — making tech-savvy ag workers more valuable than ever.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Operate tractors, planters, harvesters, and spray equipment
- Monitor crop health and apply fertilizers/pesticides
- Use precision agriculture GPS and yield mapping tools
- Assist with irrigation management
- Maintain farm equipment between seasons
🎓 Training Programs Near Des Moines
Browse all Iowa schools offering Agricultural Technician / Farm Equipment Operator programs.
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 5% (Average)
National Jobs: 32K employed nationwide
Credential Required: Pesticide Applicator License + Equipment Operator Training
Typical Program: AAS in Agriculture or Agricultural Technology — 2 years