How much does a Controls Technician make?
Controls Technicians play a key role in ensuring that machinery and systems work safely and efficiently. They earn a good living for their efforts. On average, they make about $74,902 per year. This is a solid income, and it shows the value of their work.
The pay for Controls Technicians can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common earnings:
- The lowest 10% earn less than $42,000 per year.
- The next 20% earn between $42,000 and $63,455 per year.
- About 25% earn between $63,455 and $74,182 per year.
- The middle 20% earn between $74,182 and $84,909 per year.
- The next 20% earn between $84,909 and $106,364 per year.
- The top 10% earn more than $106,364 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Controls Technician?

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Topeka, KS
Average Salary: $204,298
In Topeka, working with technology and machinery brings a sense of pride. The city offers a mix of industries, including manufacturing and healthcare, providing various opportunities. Companies like Seaboard Foods and Garmin open doors for skilled professionals.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $110,883
Portland stands out for its focus on sustainability and innovation. With tech giants like Nike and Intel around, the demand for skilled tech workers thrives. Here, working as a technician means contributing to cutting-edge projects.
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Durham, NC
Average Salary: $107,356
Durham offers a blend of education and industry, with prominent companies like Duke University and IBM. It's an excellent place to grow in a supportive environment. Working here means being part of a vibrant community of tech experts.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $97,554
Boston brings together history and innovation. With institutions like Harvard and MIT, the city buzzes with tech opportunities. Working here means collaborating with leading minds in the industry, making every project exciting.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $86,694
San Diego, known for its sunny weather, also shines in the tech sector. Companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms offer exciting roles. Working here means enjoying a beautiful lifestyle while making a significant impact.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $85,320
In Washington, DC, the political and tech worlds meet. Working with major companies like Lockheed Martin and Amazon, technicians play a crucial role. Here, every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $84,441
Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and tech opportunities. With companies like Raytheon and Boeing, the city values skilled technicians. Working here means being part of a vibrant community and enjoying the great outdoors.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $83,633
Sacramento, the capital city, offers a welcoming atmosphere with a growing tech sector. Companies like Intel and the state government provide many roles. Working here means being at the heart of California's tech growth.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $82,321
Chicago is known for its diverse industries, from manufacturing to finance. Major companies like General Electric and Boeing offer excellent opportunities. Working here means being in a city that never sleeps and always has something new to offer.
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Waco, TX
Average Salary: $82,240
Waco combines a friendly atmosphere with a growing tech industry. With companies like Baylor University and various tech startups, the city offers many opportunities. Working here means being part of a supportive community while enjoying the Texas way of life.
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What are the best companies a Controls Technician can work for?

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TechFlow, Inc.
Average Salary: $98,509
TechFlow, Inc. offers exciting opportunities for Controls Technicians. They focus on automation and control systems. Locations include Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston. Their innovative projects promise great growth and learning.
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Winn-Marion Companies
Average Salary: $95,000
Winn-Marion Companies provide a great environment for Controls Technicians. They work on various industrial projects. They have offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago. Their roles involve advanced control systems and automation.
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Talento Search Group
Average Salary: $93,000
At Talento Search Group, Controls Technicians work on cutting-edge projects. They help improve industrial processes. They have offices in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. The company values innovation and skill development.
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The J. M. Smucker Company
Average Salary: $88,704
The J. M. Smucker Company offers many roles for Controls Technicians. They focus on food and beverage production. Locations include Orrville, Ohio, and York, Pennsylvania. Their projects are diverse and impactful.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $88,145
Amazon.com provides opportunities for Controls Technicians in logistics and technology. They have facilities in Seattle, New York, and Chicago. Their roles involve automation and system improvements.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $83,902
Northrop Grumman offers exciting roles for Controls Technicians in aerospace. Locations include California and Virginia. Their projects involve defense and technology advancements.
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Daikin Applied
Average Salary: $83,452
Daikin Applied provides opportunities for Controls Technicians in HVAC systems. Locations include Colorado and Japan. Their roles focus on innovation and efficiency in heating and cooling systems.
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PepsiCo
Average Salary: $82,401
PepsiCo offers roles for Controls Technicians in food and beverage production. Locations include Purchase, New York, and London. Their roles involve automation and system optimization.
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Mars
Average Salary: $81,695
Mars provides opportunities for Controls Technicians in the food industry. Locations include McLean, Virginia, and Hackettstown, New Jersey. Their roles involve automation and improving production processes.
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LONG Building Technologies
Average Salary: $81,137
LONG Building Technologies offers roles for Controls Technicians in building systems. Locations include Atlanta and San Francisco. Their roles focus on HVAC and building automation.
How to earn more as a Controls Technician?
A Controls Technician can increase earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining certifications in specialized areas such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) can enhance skills and knowledge. These certifications show potential employers a commitment to professional development and an ability to handle advanced tasks. They also provide a competitive edge in the job market, making one more attractive to employers looking for skilled technicians.
Experience plays a significant role in salary negotiations. A Controls Technician who has worked on various types of projects and gained experience in different industries will find more opportunities for higher pay. Employers value technicians who have a proven track record and can bring a wealth of knowledge to a new role. Building a diverse portfolio of skills and experiences can lead to better job offers and salary increases. Networking with professionals in the field also helps open doors to better-paying positions by staying informed about industry trends and opportunities.
Continuing education is another way to increase earning potential. Taking additional courses in electrical systems, automation, and other relevant areas can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Employers often prefer candidates with a strong educational background and a commitment to learning new skills. By investing in ongoing education, a Controls Technician can stay ahead in a competitive job market and command a higher salary.
Below are key factors to consider for higher earnings:
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Gain experience in various industries
- Build a diverse skill set
- Network with industry professionals
- Continue education and training



