Controls Engineer Salary Overview
The Controls Engineer is one of the most important roles in the Engineering sector of the US economy in 2026. With a median annual salary of $96,800, compensation for this position ranges from $57,000 at the entry level to $148,400 for highly experienced professionals in top-paying markets.
This career typically requires Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Controls/Automation Engineering; Master's for advanced control theory or robotics applications. Valued professional credentials include Certified Automation Professional (CAP), PLC vendor certifications (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens), ISA certifications, TÜV Functional Safety Engineer. On a day-to-day basis, professionals in this role focus on programming PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation, designing control system architectures, commissioning and starting up automated equipment, troubleshooting production line issues, integrating robots and vision systems, developing SCADA and data historian systems, and managing control system cybersecurity.
The job market for this position shows 8% from 2022-2032 driven by Industry 4.0 automation, smart manufacturing, building automation, and process industry modernization growth, with demand strongest in specializations including PLC/SCADA programming, motion control and robotics, process control (DCS), building automation systems, batch control, and functional safety (SIS/SIL). AI augments controls with predictive algorithms and self-tuning loops, but the system design, safety-critical programming, commissioning troubleshooting, and equipment integration require experienced human controls engineers
Salary Range: The typical Controls Engineer in the US earns between $57,000 and $148,400 per year, with a median of $96,800.
What Does a Controls Engineer Do?
A Controls Engineer spends their workday programming PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation, designing control system architectures, commissioning and starting up automated equipment, troubleshooting production line issues, integrating robots and vision systems, developing SCADA and data historian systems, and managing control system cybersecurity. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including PLC programming (RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000, TIA Portal), HMI/SCADA (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WonderWare), MATLAB/Simulink, Python, ladder logic, function block diagrams, DCS systems, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET).
The typical work environment involves manufacturing plants, system integrator offices, or traveling to client sites for commissioning; hands-on work on production equipment; some overnight and weekend work during plant shutdowns; combination of office programming and floor commissioning. Within the profession, you can specialize in areas such as PLC/SCADA programming, motion control and robotics, process control (DCS), building automation systems, batch control, and functional safety (SIS/SIL), each requiring different skill sets and offering different compensation levels.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary based on seniority and organization size. Entry-level professionals often focus on execution tasks under supervision, while senior professionals take on strategic planning, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership.
Controls Engineer Salary by Experience
Compensation for a Controls Engineer increases substantially with experience. Entry-level professionals (0-2 years) typically earn around $63,888, while mid-career professionals (3-6 years) reach the median of $96,800. Senior professionals (7-12 years) earn approximately $121,000, and those in lead or principal roles can expect $138,424 or more.
The typical career progression follows this path: Controls Engineer I → Senior Controls Engineer → Lead Controls Engineer → Automation Manager → Director of Automation/Controls → VP of Manufacturing Technology. Each advancement typically requires 2-4 years and demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $63,888 | $31/hr | $51,122 |
| Mid | $96,800 | $47/hr | $71,345 |
| Senior | $121,000 | $58/hr | $86,066 |
| Lead | $138,424 | $67/hr | $96,355 |
Controls Engineer Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Controls Engineer in each US state.
Geographic location significantly impacts Controls Engineer compensation. The top-paying states for this role include Michigan (automotive automation), Ohio (manufacturing), Wisconsin (paper/food processing), Texas (process industries), Indiana (pharmaceutical manufacturing).
States with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee) offer an effective pay boost of 3-9% compared to high-tax states like California or New York, though these states often compensate with higher cost of living or property taxes. When evaluating offers, consider both gross salary and after-tax take-home pay.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,675 | $7,405 | $71,810 | 25.8% |
| Alaska | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| Arizona | $96,800 | $12,910 | $2,055 | $7,405 | $74,430 | 23.1% |
| Arkansas | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,033 | $7,405 | $72,452 | 25.2% |
| California | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,140 | $7,405 | $71,345 | 26.3% |
| Colorado | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,599 | $7,405 | $72,886 | 24.7% |
| Connecticut | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,574 | $7,405 | $71,911 | 25.7% |
| Delaware | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,158 | $7,405 | $71,327 | 26.3% |
| District of Columbia | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,387 | $7,405 | $71,098 | 26.6% |
| Florida | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| Georgia | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,656 | $7,405 | $71,829 | 25.8% |
| Hawaii | $96,800 | $12,910 | $7,058 | $7,405 | $69,427 | 28.3% |
| Idaho | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,768 | $7,405 | $71,717 | 25.9% |
| Illinois | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,654 | $7,405 | $71,831 | 25.8% |
| Indiana | $96,800 | $12,910 | $2,952 | $7,405 | $73,532 | 24.0% |
| Iowa | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,678 | $7,405 | $72,806 | 24.8% |
| Kansas | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,861 | $7,405 | $71,624 | 26.0% |
| Kentucky | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,746 | $7,405 | $72,739 | 24.9% |
| Louisiana | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,533 | $7,405 | $72,952 | 24.6% |
| Maine | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,383 | $7,405 | $71,101 | 26.5% |
| Maryland | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,424 | $7,405 | $72,060 | 25.6% |
| Massachusetts | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,620 | $7,405 | $71,865 | 25.8% |
| Michigan | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,876 | $7,405 | $72,609 | 25.0% |
| Minnesota | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,132 | $7,405 | $71,353 | 26.3% |
| Mississippi | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,972 | $7,405 | $72,513 | 25.1% |
| Missouri | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,775 | $7,405 | $72,709 | 24.9% |
| Montana | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,604 | $7,405 | $71,881 | 25.7% |
| Nebraska | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,133 | $7,405 | $72,352 | 25.3% |
| Nevada | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| New Hampshire | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| New Jersey | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,040 | $7,405 | $72,445 | 25.2% |
| New Mexico | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,748 | $7,405 | $72,736 | 24.9% |
| New York | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,014 | $7,405 | $71,471 | 26.2% |
| North Carolina | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,782 | $7,405 | $72,703 | 24.9% |
| North Dakota | $96,800 | $12,910 | $1,603 | $7,405 | $74,882 | 22.6% |
| Ohio | $96,800 | $12,910 | $1,942 | $7,405 | $74,543 | 23.0% |
| Oklahoma | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,108 | $7,405 | $72,377 | 25.2% |
| Oregon | $96,800 | $12,910 | $7,945 | $7,405 | $68,540 | 29.2% |
| Pennsylvania | $96,800 | $12,910 | $2,972 | $7,405 | $73,513 | 24.1% |
| Rhode Island | $96,800 | $12,910 | $3,362 | $7,405 | $73,122 | 24.5% |
| South Carolina | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,568 | $7,405 | $71,917 | 25.7% |
| South Dakota | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| Tennessee | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| Texas | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| Utah | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,501 | $7,405 | $71,984 | 25.6% |
| Vermont | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,448 | $7,405 | $72,037 | 25.6% |
| Virginia | $96,800 | $12,910 | $5,050 | $7,405 | $71,435 | 26.2% |
| Washington | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
| West Virginia | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,068 | $7,405 | $72,417 | 25.2% |
| Wisconsin | $96,800 | $12,910 | $4,043 | $7,405 | $72,442 | 25.2% |
| Wyoming | $96,800 | $12,910 | $0 | $7,405 | $76,485 | 21.0% |
Top Cities for Controls Engineer Pay
Detroit for automotive controls; Milwaukee for food and paper industry automation; Houston for process control; Indianapolis for pharmaceutical automation
When comparing city compensation, factor in cost of living differences. A $96,800 salary in a mid-cost city often provides more purchasing power than a 20-30% premium in San Francisco or New York.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $106,480 |
| Detroit, MI | $106,480 |
| Houston, TX | $106,480 |
| Seattle, WA | $106,480 |
| Hartford, CT | $106,480 |
Calculate Controls Engineer Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Controls Engineer
Education: The typical path to becoming a Controls Engineer involves earning a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Controls/Automation Engineering; Master's for advanced control theory or robotics applications. Some professionals enter the field through alternative pathways, but formal education provides the strongest foundation for long-term career growth.
Certifications: Key professional credentials for this role include Certified Automation Professional (CAP), PLC vendor certifications (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens), ISA certifications, TÜV Functional Safety Engineer. These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and often directly correlate with higher compensation.
Skills & Tools: Proficiency with PLC programming (RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000, TIA Portal), HMI/SCADA (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WonderWare), MATLAB/Simulink, Python, ladder logic, function block diagrams, DCS systems, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) is expected for competitive candidates. Building a portfolio of work or gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or entry-level positions is essential for breaking into the field.
Timeline: Most professionals reach mid-level competency within 3-5 years of entering the field, with senior positions typically requiring 7-12 years of progressive experience.
Controls Engineer Career Outlook
Employment for the Controls Engineer role is projected to grow 8% from 2022-2032 driven by Industry 4.0 automation, smart manufacturing, building automation, and process industry modernization, reflecting strong demand driven by industry evolution and changing workforce needs. The most in-demand specializations include PLC/SCADA programming, motion control and robotics, process control (DCS), building automation systems, batch control, and functional safety (SIS/SIL).
AI and Automation Impact: AI augments controls with predictive algorithms and self-tuning loops, but the system design, safety-critical programming, commissioning troubleshooting, and equipment integration require experienced human controls engineers
Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability will find the best opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Tax Tips for Controls Engineer Earnings
With a salary in this range, you're in the 22% federal tax bracket and have several powerful strategies to reduce your tax burden:
Maximize 401(k) Contributions: Every dollar you contribute to a traditional 401(k) reduces your taxable income. The 2026 limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if over 50). At the 22% bracket, a full contribution saves you $5,170 in federal taxes alone.
Health Savings Account (HSA): If you have a high-deductible health plan, contribute up to $4,300 (individual) or $8,550 (family) to an HSA. This gives you a triple tax advantage: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
Standard vs. Itemized Deductions: At this income level, evaluate whether your mortgage interest, state/local taxes (capped at $10,000 SALT), and charitable contributions exceed the standard deduction. Many workers in high-tax states benefit from itemizing.
Roth IRA: You likely qualify for direct Roth IRA contributions (income limit $161,000 single / $240,000 married). Contributing after-tax dollars now means tax-free withdrawals in retirement when your income may be higher.
Controls Engineer Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for a Controls Engineer in the United States is $96,800 in 2026. Compensation typically ranges from $57,000 for entry-level positions to $148,400 for experienced professionals in top-paying markets. Actual pay depends on experience, location, certifications, and employer size.
On a $96,800 salary, a Controls Engineer takes home approximately $85,000-$105,000 after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on the state and filing status. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida, take-home pay is higher than in states like California or New York.
Entry-level Controls Engineer professionals with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn around $63,888 per year. Starting salaries vary significantly by location, with major metro areas offering 15-30% premiums over rural areas.
The highest-paying states for Controls Engineer professionals include CA, MI, TX. However, when adjusted for cost of living, some mid-tier states offer better purchasing power. No-income-tax states provide an additional 3-9% effective pay boost.
The median hourly equivalent for a Controls Engineer is approximately $46.54, based on 2,080 working hours per year. Actual hourly rates vary by experience level, with senior professionals earning $10-30 more per hour than entry-level.
To become a Controls Engineer, you typically need Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Controls/Automation Engineering; Master's for advanced control theory or robotics applications. Valuable certifications include Certified Automation Professional (CAP), PLC vendor certifications (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens), ISA certifications, TÜV Functional Safety Engineer. Most employers also value practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions.
Employment for Controls Engineer professionals is projected to grow 8% from 2022-2032 driven by Industry 4.0 automation, smart manufacturing, building automation, and process industry modernization. AI augments controls with predictive algorithms and self-tuning loops, but the system design, safety-critical programming, commissioning troubleshooting, and equipment integration require experienced human controls engineers The strongest opportunities are in PLC/SCADA programming, motion control and robotics, process control (DCS), building automation systems, batch control, and functional safety (SIS/SIL).
A Controls Engineer typically spends their day programming PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation, designing control system architectures, commissioning and starting up automated equipment, troubleshooting production line issues, integrating robots and vision systems, developing SCADA and data historian systems, and managing control system cybersecurity. The work environment involves manufacturing plants, system integrator offices, or traveling to client sites for commissioning; hands-on work on production equipment; some overnight and weekend work during plant shutdowns; combination of office programming and floor commissioning.