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What is an irrigator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

An irrigation specialist installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems. Also, they ensure the proper functioning of the system by inspecting and adjusting related components to enable efficiency and water conservation. Employment opportunities can be found in residential environments, commercial environments, municipalities, and sports turf management. An irrigator may help in designing or modifying new or old irrigation systems. Plus, they carry out periodic maintenance of the systems and maintain an inventory of related components.

As an irrigator, you must know how to operate specific tools and equipment. You must also have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and two years of working experience to work as an irrigator. However, irrigators are often at risk of injuries from mechanical parts, exposure to fumes, etc. An irrigator earns between $29,000 and $81,000 with benefits depending on the employer, experience, and the business location.

ScoreIrrigatorUS Average
Salary
2.1

Avg. Salary $26,562

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.2

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.45%

Asian 1.66%

Black or African American 7.34%

Hispanic or Latino 41.50%

Unknown 4.15%

White 43.90%

Gender

female 9.60%

male 90.40%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.0

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.0

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an irrigator

  1. Explore irrigator education requirements

    Most common irrigator degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.2 %

    Bachelor's

    28.9 %

    Associate

    17.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific irrigator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Harvest53.16%
    Sprinklers23.39%
    GRASS17.93%
    DIG1.63%
    Bobcat1.57%
  3. Research irrigator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage hardscape installation team and project
    • Mow grass maintain clean neat course
    • Inspect sprinklers for proper water flow.
    • Help in all manners of growth till harvest.
  4. Prepare your irrigator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your irrigator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an irrigator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Irrigator Resume templates

    Build a professional Irrigator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Irrigator resume.
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
    Irrigator Resume
  5. Apply for irrigator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an irrigator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Irrigator Job

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Average irrigator salary

The average Irrigator salary in the United States is $26,562 per year or $13 per hour. Irrigator salaries range between $20,000 and $34,000 per year.

Average Irrigator Salary
$26,562 Yearly
$12.77 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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