Controls & Automation Technician Jobs
Install, troubleshoot and maintain the PLCs, drives and control systems that keep automated equipment running.
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Controls technicians -- also called automation technicians -- keep automated equipment running. They install and wire control systems, troubleshoot PLCs, drives, sensors and networks when something stops, and make program and parameter changes under an engineer's direction. The job is hands-on and close to the equipment.
Many of the technician jobs listed here are field roles with the companies that make the equipment: home-based technicians who cover a region and drive to customer sites to install, service and repair drives, robots, switchgear and building automation systems. Others are plant-based, maintaining the automation in one facility.
Hiring By Employer
Dematic
76
Rockwell Automation
1
ABB
1
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Controls & Automation Technician Jobs: Common Questions
What does an automation technician do?
An automation or controls technician installs, troubleshoots and maintains automated equipment: PLCs, drives, sensors, robots and the wiring and networks between them. In a field role that means driving to customer sites to install and repair equipment; in a plant role it means keeping one facility's lines running.
What is the average salary for an automation technician?
Across the 36 open US Controls & Automation Technician postings on ControlsCompass that state an annual pay range, the median is $53K (middle half $49K–$64K), using the midpoint of each range. Postings paid by the hour state a median of $32.25 an hour (19 postings). Pay varies with location, experience and shift or travel premiums; each job page shows the range when the employer states one.
Are automation technicians in demand?
ControlsCompass lists 314 open Controls & Automation Technician jobs right now from 5 employers; 289 of those jobs are in the US. The most come from Siemens, Dematic and ABB. The count updates daily as new postings come in and closed ones drop off.
Do controls technicians travel?
Of the 79 open Controls & Automation Technician postings that state a travel requirement, the median is up to 100% travel, and 6% ask for under 25%. The rest don't say. Field service and commissioning roles travel the most; plant-based and design roles the least.
How do I become an automation technician?
Most technicians come from a two-year electrical, electronics, mechatronics or automation program, from electrician or maintenance work, or from military technical roles. Employers look for solid electrical troubleshooting first; PLC and drive skills are often taught on the job, and several vendors run programs for transitioning service members.
Numbers are calculated from the open jobs on ControlsCompass and update daily.