The Ultimate Guide to a John Deere Career: Salary, Job...

A career at John Deere is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to a legacy brand that has been shaping agriculture and construction for nearly two centuries. For ambitious professionals, from engineers and data scientists to welders and financial analysts, the iconic green and yellow machinery represents a world of potential. The company offers competitive compensation, a chance to work on cutting-edge technology, and a role in feeding and building the world. But in today's dynamic global economy, a high salary is only part of the equation. Aspiring and current employees are also keenly aware of the cyclical nature of heavy industry, making job security and the topic of layoffs a critical consideration.

This guide provides a comprehensive, 360-degree view of what a career at John Deere truly entails. We will dissect salary data from authoritative sources, explore the key factors that influence your earning potential, and provide a clear-eyed analysis of the company's job outlook and its history with workforce adjustments. I once had the opportunity to tour one of their advanced manufacturing facilities, and what struck me most was not just the scale of the machinery, but the intense focus and pride of the people building it; it solidified my understanding that a company's strength is a direct reflection of its workforce. This article is designed to equip you with the knowledge to not only land a job at this storied company but to build a resilient, rewarding, and prosperous career there.

### Table of Contents

[What Does a Career at John Deere Entail?](#what-does-a-career-at-john-deere-entail)
[John Deere Salary: A Deep Dive](#john-deere-salary-a-deep-dive)
[Key Factors That Influence Your John Deere Salary](#key-factors-that-influence-your-john-deere-salary)
[Job Outlook, Security, and Understanding Layoffs at John Deere](#job-outlook-security-and-understanding-layoffs-at-john-deere)
[How to Get a Job at John Deere](#how-to-get-a-job-at-john-deere)
[Conclusion: Is a Career at John Deere Right for You?](#conclusion-is-a-career-at-john-deere-right-for-you)

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What Does a Career at John Deere Entail?

Deere & Company, universally known as John Deere, is a Fortune 500 powerhouse and a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. While the company is famous for its iconic tractors, its operations are vast and technologically advanced, encompassing everything from satellite-guided precision agriculture and autonomous vehicles to sophisticated financial services and heavy-duty engine production.

A career here is not monolithic; it's a collection of diverse paths united by a common purpose: "We run so life can leap forward." This mission permeates the company culture, which emphasizes integrity, quality, commitment, and innovation. Employees are part of a global team of over 82,000 individuals working across dozens of countries.

Core Roles and Responsibilities:

Your responsibilities will vary dramatically depending on your function. Here’s a look at some of the major career families within John Deere:

Engineering: This is the heart of John Deere's product development. Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Systems) design, test, and validate new products and technologies. They work on everything from engine performance and hydraulic systems to the complex software that powers autonomous tractors and data-driven farming solutions.
Manufacturing & Skilled Trades: These are the hands-on roles that bring the designs to life. Welders, assemblers, CNC machinists, and industrial electricians work in state-of-the-art factories to build the equipment. Quality control specialists and production supervisors ensure that every machine meets Deere's exacting standards.
Information Technology (IT) & Data Science: As a tech-forward company, John Deere heavily invests in its IT infrastructure. Roles include cybersecurity analysts, cloud engineers, enterprise software developers, and data scientists who analyze vast datasets from machines in the field to create smarter, more efficient products and services for customers.
Supply Management & Logistics: This team manages the incredibly complex global supply chain that sources materials, manages inventory, and delivers finished products. Professionals in this area ensure that factories have the parts they need and that customers receive their equipment on time.
Sales, Marketing, & Customer Support: These teams are the face of the company to its vast network of dealers and end-customers. They develop marketing strategies, manage dealer relationships, and provide the technical support that keeps customers' operations running smoothly.
Finance & Accounting: John Deere Financial is a significant part of the business, providing financing for equipment purchases. Corporate finance roles include financial analysts, accountants, and auditors who manage the company's financial health and strategic investments.

### A Day in the Life: A Product Engineer at John Deere

To make this more concrete, let's imagine a day for "Alex," a Product Engineer working in the Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) at John Deere.

8:00 AM: Alex arrives at the office in Urbandale, Iowa, grabs a coffee, and logs in. The first 30 minutes are spent reviewing emails and messages from a software development team in India that made progress on a new GPS receiver feature overnight.
8:30 AM: Daily stand-up meeting with the agile development team. Alex, acting as the product owner, listens to progress updates, clarifies requirements for a new user interface element, and helps a teammate troubleshoot a bug found during testing.
10:00 AM: Alex heads to the test lab. Today's task is to validate a new software patch on a physical tractor simulator. Alex runs the machine through a series of predefined tests, meticulously documenting performance and noting any unexpected behavior.
12:00 PM: Lunch with colleagues at the on-site cafeteria. The conversation is a mix of shop talk about a competitor's latest product announcement and plans for a weekend bike ride.
1:00 PM: A cross-functional strategy meeting with representatives from Marketing and Customer Support. They are planning the rollout of a new precision agriculture feature for the next planting season. Alex provides technical insights on the feature's capabilities and limitations, helping the marketing team craft accurate messaging.
3:00 PM: "Focus time." Alex closes Outlook and dives into writing detailed technical specifications for the next software sprint. This requires deep concentration, translating customer needs gathered from field visits into actionable tasks for the development team.
4:30 PM: Alex receives a call from a field test site in Brazil. A farmer testing a beta version of their software has a question. Alex walks them through a solution, gathering valuable real-world feedback in the process.
5:15 PM: Alex wraps up the day by updating project management software, outlining priorities for tomorrow, and sending a summary of the Brazilian field feedback to the team before heading home.

This example illustrates the blend of hands-on testing, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving that defines many professional roles at John Deere.

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John Deere Salary: A Deep Dive

Compensation at John Deere is competitive and designed to attract and retain top talent in a demanding global market. It’s important to understand that salaries vary widely based on role, location, experience, and performance. The figures presented here are aggregated from public data sources and should be considered estimates. Official compensation details are provided during the hiring process.

According to Payscale, as of late 2023, the average salary for a John Deere employee in the United States is approximately $88,000 per year. However, this single number blends together a vast range of job types, from entry-level production workers to senior executives. A more useful approach is to look at salary ranges and specific roles.

Salary.com, which tends to aggregate data for more corporate roles, reports a higher average base salary, often in the $95,000 to $115,000 range for salaried professionals, reflecting the company's large engineering and tech workforce. Glassdoor's data similarly shows a wide spectrum, with total pay estimates for many professional roles exceeding six figures when bonuses and other compensation are included.

### Salary by Experience Level

Salary progression at a large corporation like John Deere is typically well-structured. As employees gain experience and take on more responsibility, their compensation increases significantly.

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*(Note: Data accessed in late 2023 / early 2024. Ranges are approximate and can vary significantly.)*

For example, a Mechanical Engineer at John Deere might start around $75,000. With 5-7 years of experience, they could earn $95,000-$110,000. As a Senior or Staff Engineer leading projects, their base salary could rise to $130,000 or more. A Software Engineer might see an even steeper trajectory, with senior roles in high-demand areas like AI/ML commanding base salaries well over $150,000.

For UAW (United Auto Workers) represented production and skilled trades employees, wages are governed by a collective bargaining agreement. The 2021 agreement, for example, established clear wage tiers, with production workers earning starting wages around $20/hour and progressing to over $30/hour over the life of the contract, not including cost-of-living adjustments and bonuses. Skilled trades positions earn a significant premium on top of that.

### Beyond the Base Salary: Understanding Total Compensation

Base salary is just one piece of the puzzle. John Deere offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package to its salaried employees, which can add significant value.

Annual Bonuses: Most salaried employees are eligible for a performance-based annual bonus. This is often tied to both company performance (profitability, market share) and individual performance. The target percentage can range from 8% to 20% or more of base salary, depending on the employee's pay grade. This program is often referred to internally as PAYSOP (Performance-based Annual Pay for Salaried).
401(k) Retirement Plan: The company offers a competitive 401(k) plan. A typical structure might involve John Deere matching a certain percentage of an employee's contribution (e.g., 100% match on the first 6% of pay contributed). They also may add an automatic company contribution on top of the match, often equivalent to a percentage of the employee's salary, regardless of whether the employee contributes. This is a powerful wealth-building tool.
Health and Wellness Benefits: This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. John Deere is known for offering high-quality plans, often with multiple options to suit different family needs. They also typically provide wellness programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and options for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees receive vacation time, paid holidays, and sick leave. The amount of vacation time typically increases with years of service at the company.
Tuition Reimbursement: John Deere strongly encourages continuous learning and offers a generous tuition assistance program. Employees can get reimbursed for a significant portion of the cost of pursuing job-related degrees (e.g., a Master's in Engineering or an MBA) or professional certifications.
Discounts and Other Perks: Employees are often eligible for discounts on John Deere equipment, as well as various other corporate discount programs.

When you factor in these components, the "total compensation" for a John Deere employee is substantially higher than the base salary alone. A mid-career engineer with a $110,000 base salary could easily see a total compensation package worth over $140,000 when accounting for a 15% bonus, a 10% 401(k) contribution from the company, and the value of health insurance.

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Key Factors That Influence Your John Deere Salary

Your salary at John Deere isn't a single, fixed number. It's the result of a complex calculation involving multiple variables. Understanding these factors is crucial for negotiating your starting offer and for charting a course for career and salary growth within the company.

### 1. Level of Education

Your educational foundation is a primary determinant of your starting role and salary. John Deere hires from a wide spectrum of educational backgrounds, and each level has a different corresponding compensation structure.

High School Diploma / GED: This is the typical requirement for entry-level production and assembly roles (e.g., Assembler I). Wages are governed by the UAW contract and start in the range of $20-$22 per hour, with opportunities for increases.
Associate's Degree / Skilled Trades Certification: This is the pathway for highly skilled and better-compensated hourly roles. An associate's degree in areas like Welding Technology, CNC Machining, or Diesel Technology is highly valued. These skilled trades positions command a significant premium over general production roles, often starting 20-30% higher and with a higher earning ceiling.
Bachelor's Degree: This is the standard entry point for most salaried, professional-track roles. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, or Supply Chain Management is the ticket to a "Grade 7" position—the typical starting point for new university graduates. These roles generally start in the $70,000 to $85,000 range, depending on the field and location.
Master's Degree: A Master's degree can provide a competitive edge and a higher starting salary. An M.S. in a specialized engineering field or a Master's in Data Science might command a starting salary 10-15% higher than a candidate with only a B.S. An MBA is particularly valuable for those aiming for leadership roles in finance, marketing, or strategy, and can often lead to placement in rotational leadership development programs.
Ph.D.: A doctorate is typically required for specialized research and development (R&D) roles. These individuals work on the most advanced, forward-looking projects, such as machine learning algorithms for autonomous vehicles or new material sciences. These are some of the highest-paid non-executive individual contributor roles, with starting salaries that can easily exceed $130,000-$150,000.

John Deere's tuition assistance program is a key benefit here, as it allows employees to pursue advanced degrees while working, directly impacting their long-term salary growth potential.

### 2. Years of Experience

Experience is arguably the most significant factor influencing salary growth throughout your career at John Deere. The company has a well-defined internal structure of pay grades for its salaried employees.

Entry-Level (0-3 years / Pay Grade 7): New university hires start here. The focus is on learning the company's processes, contributing to a team, and executing well-defined tasks. Salary growth comes from annual merit increases (typically 2-4%) and a potential promotion to the next grade after 2-4 years.
Mid-Career (3-8 years / Pay Grade 8-9): At this stage, employees have proven their competence and begin to take on more complex projects or lead smaller initiatives. This is where you see the first significant jump in salary, often moving from the sub-$100k range to well over it. A promotion from Grade 7 to 8 can come with a 10-15% salary increase. Roles like Senior Engineer or Project Lead fall into this category.
Senior Level (8-15 years / Pay Grade 10-11): Senior professionals are technical experts or people leaders. A Senior Staff Engineer (individual contributor) might be the go-to expert for a specific technology across the entire company. An Engineering Manager (people leader) would be responsible for a team of engineers, handling their performance reviews, project assignments, and career development. Salaries at this level often range from $130,000 to $170,000+, with larger bonus targets.
Principal/Expert Level (15+ years / Pay Grade 12+): This is the pinnacle for technical individual contributors (e.g., Principal Engineer, Technical Fellow) and senior management. These individuals are setting technical strategy for entire divisions or managing large, complex departments. Their compensation packages are substantial and highly individualized, often with base salaries approaching or exceeding $200,000.

### 3. Geographic Location

While John Deere is a global company, its U.S. presence is concentrated in several key locations, and salary is adjusted based on the local cost of labor and cost of living.

Midwest Hubs (Moline, IL; Waterloo & Des Moines, IA): These are the company's traditional power centers. Moline is the world headquarters, Waterloo is a major tractor manufacturing hub, and Des Moines is a center for agricultural implements. Salaries here are very competitive for the region, but the lower cost of living means the dollar figures might be slightly lower than in a major coastal tech hub. For example, a role paying $100,000 in Des Moines provides a significantly higher standard of living than the same salary in California.
Tech & Innovation Centers (Cary, NC; San Francisco, CA): John Deere has strategically placed tech-focused offices in areas with deep talent pools. The Ag & Turf division has a strong presence in Cary, NC (part of the Research Triangle), and the company acquired Blue River Technology, an AI company, establishing a footprint in Silicon Valley. Salaries in these locations are higher to compete with the local tech market. A software engineer in the Bay Area office can expect a salary package that is 20-40% higher than their counterpart in Iowa to account for the dramatically higher cost of living and competitive landscape.
Other U.S. Locations (Fargo, ND; Augusta, GA; etc.): Deere has manufacturing and engineering operations in numerous other cities. Salaries in these locations will be benchmarked against the local market for technical and manufacturing talent.

### 4. Business Segment & Division

Your salary can also be influenced by the specific division you work for within John Deere. This is because each division operates as a semi-distinct business with its own budget, strategic priorities, and profitability metrics.

Production and Precision Agriculture: This is Deere's largest and most profitable segment. Roles here, especially in the high-tech Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG), are often at the forefront of innovation and may command premium salaries due to the high demand for talent in autonomy, data science, and electrification.
Small Agriculture and Turf: This division focuses on equipment for homeowners, golf courses, and smaller farms. While still a massive business, the engineering challenges and market dynamics are different.
Construction and Forestry: This is a highly cyclical but critical segment. It competes directly with companies like Caterpillar. Salaries are competitive with the heavy construction equipment industry.
John Deere Financial: This division operates like a bank within the company. Roles for financial analysts, credit analysts, and risk managers are benchmarked against the financial services industry, which can have different compensation structures (e.g., different bonus models) than the manufacturing side of the business.

### 5. Area of Specialization

Within a broad category like "Engineer," your specific expertise can have a massive impact on your pay.

High-Demand Tech Roles: Specialists in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Computer Vision, and Autonomous Systems are in extremely high demand. These roles are critical to Deere's future, and the company competes with Google, Tesla, and other tech giants for this talent. Salaries for experienced professionals in these fields can easily reach the $170,000 - $220,000+ range.
Core Engineering Roles: Mechanical, Electrical, and Hydraulic Engineers form the backbone of the product development teams. While their salaries are very strong, they follow a more traditional engineering pay scale.
Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering: Professionals who specialize in optimizing factory floor layouts, robotics, and advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing) are highly valued. Their work directly impacts efficiency and profitability.
Skilled Trades Specializations: Within the UAW-represented workforce, there is a significant pay difference between a general assembler and a high-skilled tradesperson like a Tool & Die Maker or an Industrial Electrician. These highly specialized roles require years of apprenticeship and are among the highest-paid hourly positions in the company.

### 6. In-Demand Skills

Beyond your formal title, possessing a portfolio of specific, high-value skills can significantly boost your earning potential and make you a more valuable asset to the company.

Software & Data Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Python and C++ is essential for many engineering and IT roles. Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI), and machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) can command a premium.
Project Management: Certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies are highly sought after for leading complex projects and can open doors to management roles with higher pay.
Systems Engineering: The ability to understand how complex mechanical, electrical, and software systems interact is crucial. Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a particularly valuable skill.
Knowledge of Precision Agriculture: For roles in the ag division, deep knowledge of GPS/GNSS systems, telematics, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and agronomy is a major differentiator.
Foreign Language Proficiency: For a global company like John Deere, fluency in languages like German, Portuguese (for the Brazilian market), or Mandarin can be a valuable asset in certain roles, particularly in sales, supply management, and international service.

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Job Outlook, Security, and Understanding Layoffs at John Deere

While salary is a key motivator, long-term career stability is equally important. A career at John Deere is tied to the broader health of the global agriculture and construction industries, which presents both immense opportunity and inherent cyclical risk.

### Overall Job Outlook

The long-term outlook for careers related to John Deere's core business is generally positive, driven by powerful global trends. The United Nations predicts the world population will reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production. This cannot be achieved without massive leaps in agricultural productivity and efficiency—the very problems John Deere aims to solve with technology.

BLS Projections: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a macro-level view. For instance, the outlook for Agricultural and Food Scientists is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for Software Developers is expected to skyrocket by 25%, reflecting the tech-centric future of all industries, including heavy equipment. Roles like Mechanical Engineers and Industrial Engineers are projected to grow at a steady pace (10% and 12%, respectively), driven by the need for innovation in automation and advanced manufacturing.
Emerging Trends Driving Hiring:
Autonomy: The race to develop fully autonomous tractors and construction equipment is creating a huge demand for engineers and scientists in robotics, AI, and sensor technology.
Electrification: As with the automotive industry, there is a major push toward developing electric and hybrid-electric heavy machinery to reduce emissions and operating costs. This requires expertise in battery technology, power electronics, and electric motor design.
Precision Agriculture: The future of farming is data. John Deere is a leader in connecting machines, people, and data to optimize planting, spraying, and harvesting. This drives the need for data scientists, IoT specialists, and software engineers.

### The Reality of Job Security and Layoffs

No analysis of a career at John Deere would be complete without a direct and honest discussion of layoffs. As a large, publicly-traded industrial manufacturer, Deere is subject to economic cycles. When farmers' incomes are squeezed by low commodity prices or high interest rates, or when construction projects slow due to an economic downturn, the demand for new equipment falls. In response, the company must adjust its production levels and cost structure, which can, and often does, include workforce reductions.

Understanding the "Why":

Layoffs at John Deere are not typically a sign of a failing company. Rather, they are a strategic tool used to align the company's workforce with market demand. Common reasons cited for layoffs include:

Cyclical Market Downturns: This is the most common reason. A period of high sales is often followed by a market correction.
Strategic Realignment: The company may decide to de-emphasize a certain product line or technology and shift resources to a more promising area (e.g., shifting investment

The Ultimate Guide to a John Deere Career: Salary, Job Security, and Navigating Layoffs

Table of Contents

What Does a Career at John Deere Entail?

John Deere Salary: A Deep Dive

Key Factors That Influence Your John Deere Salary

Job Outlook, Security, and Understanding Layoffs at John Deere