Automation Engineer Salary in the US
Automation Engineer Salary Range
$97,200
$138,000
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Automation Engineer salaries in the automation industry typically range from $97,200 to $138,000, with a midpoint of $119,900. Compensation varies based on PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, commissioning, troubleshooting, and plant-floor automation experience.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$97,200
$138,000
$97,200
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$119,900
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$138,000
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect an Automation Engineer’s Salary
Automation Engineer salary can vary based on controls experience, technical depth, manufacturing environment, project scope, location, and the level of responsibility tied to automated systems. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role requires PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, commissioning, troubleshooting, or hands-on plant-floor automation experience.
Automation Engineer Job Description:
An Automation Engineer designs, develops, implements, and supports automated systems used in manufacturing, processing, packaging, and industrial production environments. This role helps companies improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, safety, and overall plant performance through the effective use of automation technology.
Automation Engineers often work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, sensors, drives, control panels, vision systems, and production equipment. Their work may include troubleshooting controls issues, modifying automation programs, supporting equipment startups, improving machine performance, and working with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and outside vendors. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly practical.
Automation Engineers are often expected to understand how equipment performs on the plant floor, how downtime affects production, and how automation changes can improve throughput, repeatability, safety, and labor efficiency. Strong candidates typically combine technical controls knowledge with problem-solving ability, communication skills, and sound judgment under production pressure.
Common Responsibilities:
Developing, modifying, and troubleshooting PLC and HMI programs.
Supporting SCADA, robotics, vision, motion control, and other industrial automation systems.
Diagnosing equipment faults, controls issues, and recurring downtime problems.
Supporting installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of automated equipment.
Working with maintenance and operations teams to improve reliability and production flow.
Documenting control changes, electrical drawings, process improvements, and system updates.
Identifying automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, efficiency, or cost performance.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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