Agricultural Mechanics and Technology in South Carolina
South Carolina's Agricultural Mechanics pathway develops practical expertise in equipment maintenance, repair, and farm infrastructure that supports the state's vital agricultural sector. With strong agricultural traditions in the Lowcountry and Upstate regions, students learn to service and repair the machinery essential to modern farming operations.
Students master welding, electrical systems, hydraulics, and equipment diagnosis while gaining hands-on experience in school shops and partnering farm equipment dealers. The curriculum integrates precision agriculture technology and sustainable farming infrastructure.
Graduates find employment as farm equipment technicians, agricultural mechanics, equipment sales representatives, or equipment rental managers. Opportunities exist with John Deere dealers, agricultural cooperatives, and independent operations throughout South Carolina. Many pursue advanced certifications or establish their own repair services.
Agricultural Mechanics and Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's agricultural mechanics standards emphasize competency in equipment operation, maintenance systems, and safety protocols. The state works with Clemson University Extension and agricultural equipment manufacturers to ensure curriculum reflects industry standards.
Students complete practical assessments in hydraulic troubleshooting, electrical system repair, and welding techniques. State standards require certification in equipment-specific operation and basic mechanical diagnostics.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Agricultural Mechanics and Technology 1 |
| Agricultural Mechanics and Technology 2 |
| Agricultural Power Mechanics |
| Agricultural Structural Mechanics |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Farm Equipment Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,280 - $62,880
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,448
Agricultural Equipment Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $67,970 - $115,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $94,419
Equipment Sales Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $41,880 - $92,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,945
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at John Deere dealerships, equipment rental centers, agricultural cooperatives, and farm equipment manufacturers across South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Agricultural Education
South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development. The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites. With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.
AgricultureAutomotive Technology
South Carolina's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, and diagnostics. This four-level program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, and alternative fuel technologies. With South Carolina's strong automotive manufacturing presence and extensive network of dealerships and service centers, demand for skilled automotive technicians remains consistently high. The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from foundational automotive systems knowledge through advanced diagnostics and repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) standards and prepares students for multiple ASE certifications upon graduation or soon after workforce entry. South Carolina's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and connected vehicle technologies. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Supply Chain & TransportationWelding Technology
South Carolina's Welding Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for one of the state's most in-demand skilled trades. As part of the Advanced Manufacturing cluster, this program prepares students for careers in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and infrastructure maintenance. South Carolina's diverse industrial base—from automotive manufacturing to naval shipbuilding—creates consistent demand for certified welders across the state. The pathway progresses through four sequential courses that build foundational skills in oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMIG), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Students gain extensive hands-on experience in modern welding laboratories, learning industry-standard safety protocols, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and quality control procedures. The curriculum prepares students for multiple AWS (American Welding Society) certifications and immediate workforce entry. South Carolina's Welding Technology programs emphasize both traditional welding techniques and emerging technologies including robotic welding, plasma cutting, and advanced welding inspection methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in diverse industries throughout the state, with opportunities for advancement into welding supervision, inspection, and engineering roles.
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