As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Irrigation Technician in the United States is $81,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Irrigation Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Irrigation Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Irrigation Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Irrigation Technician | $76,444 |
| Intermediate Level Irrigation Technician | $76,889 |
| Senior Level Irrigation Technician | $77,925 |
| Specialist Level Irrigation Technician | $79,110 |
| Expert Level Irrigation Technician | $81,578 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Irrigation Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.78% |
| HVAC | 3.88% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting
|
$88,474 |
9%
|
|
Project Management
|
$88,474 |
9%
|
|
Coordination
|
$87,662 |
8%
|
|
Facilities Management
|
$86,039 |
6%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$86,039 |
6%
|
|
Time Management
|
$85,227 |
5%
|
For Irrigation Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Irrigation Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Irrigation Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $97,403 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $93,344 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,286 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $89,286 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $89,286 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Irrigation Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Irrigation Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $74,576 and $80,440).
Irrigation Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.9% |
| High School | 48.3% |
| Associates | 13.8% |
| Bachelors | 24.1% |
| Masters | 6.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Irrigation Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Irrigation Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,446 in 2023 to around $64,778 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Irrigation Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,446 |
| 2024 | $65,201 |
| 2025 | $64,778 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Irrigation Technician roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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