How much does a Controls Technician make?
A Controls Technician plays a key role in many industries, ensuring that machinery and systems operate smoothly. This profession offers a stable salary that can vary based on experience and location. On average, a Controls Technician earns about $69,968 per year. This figure can change depending on several factors, including the specific industry and the size of the company.
The salary range for Controls Technicians can be quite broad. At the lower end, some technicians earn around $44,000 annually. As experience grows, the salary can increase significantly. The highest earners in this field can make over $102,000 per year. This wide range reflects the importance of skills and expertise in the job market. With more experience and specialized training, a Controls Technician can expect to see a higher salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Controls Technician?

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Topeka, KS
Average Salary: $185,441
In Topeka, professionals in automation and control systems find opportunities with companies like Garmin and YRC Worldwide. The job market offers a mix of manufacturing and logistics roles, providing a solid foundation for career growth. The cost of living is moderate, making it an attractive place to work.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $91,250
Washington, DC, is a hub for government and defense contractors, offering Controls Technicians roles with companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The city's dynamic environment provides diverse opportunities for those skilled in automation and control systems. The high cost of living is offset by competitive salaries and benefits.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $87,957
Portland boasts a thriving tech scene, with companies like Intel and Nike seeking skilled Controls Technicians. The city's focus on innovation and sustainability creates a vibrant job market for those in automation and control systems. The moderate cost of living and strong community make it an appealing place to work.
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Clarksville, TN
Average Salary: $84,044
Clarksville offers a mix of military and civilian opportunities, with Fort Campbell being a major employer. Controls Technicians here work on a variety of projects, from defense systems to industrial automation. The lower cost of living and strong sense of community make it a desirable location for professionals.
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Toledo, OH
Average Salary: $84,035
Toledo's industrial sector, including companies like Owens-Illinois and Dana, provides numerous opportunities for Controls Technicians. The city's focus on manufacturing and automation creates a stable job market. The moderate cost of living and family-friendly environment make it a good place to work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $83,976
San Diego's diverse economy, with companies like Qualcomm and General Dynamics, offers Controls Technicians a range of opportunities. The city's focus on technology and defense creates a dynamic job market. The higher cost of living is balanced by a strong quality of life and beautiful surroundings.
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Durham, NC
Average Salary: $82,082
Durham's Research Triangle Park is a hotspot for tech and biotech companies, providing Controls Technicians with roles in automation and research. The city's vibrant community and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to work. The focus on education and innovation creates a stimulating environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $80,296
Seattle's tech industry, with companies like Boeing and Amazon, offers Controls Technicians a variety of roles in automation and control systems. The city's innovative spirit and high quality of life make it a desirable place to work. The higher cost of living is offset by competitive salaries and benefits.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $80,029
Boston's rich history and strong educational institutions create a vibrant job market for Controls Technicians. Companies like General Electric and Raytheon offer roles in automation and control systems. The higher cost of living is balanced by a strong sense of community and numerous cultural attractions.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $77,634
Colorado Springs' focus on defense and aerospace, with companies like Lockheed Martin and United States Air Force Academy, provides Controls Technicians with numerous opportunities. The city's lower cost of living and beautiful natural surroundings make it a desirable place to work. The strong sense of community and outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
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What are the best companies a Controls Technician can work for?

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Abstrakt Marketing Group
Average Salary: $97,857
Abstrakt Marketing Group offers exciting opportunities for Controls Technicians. They focus on innovative marketing solutions. This company operates in various locations, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Clear Engineering Recruitment
Average Salary: $95,757
Clear Engineering Recruitment provides Controls Technician roles with competitive pay. They specialize in engineering and technology recruitment. They have offices in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
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Wonderful Citrus
Average Salary: $89,167
Wonderful Citrus is a leading company in the citrus industry. They offer Controls Technician positions with a focus on agricultural technology. They operate in California, Arizona, and Florida.
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TechFlow, Inc
Average Salary: $87,158
TechFlow, Inc. provides Controls Technician jobs with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Austin.
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LONG Building Technologies
Average Salary: $85,009
LONG Building Technologies offers Controls Technician roles with a focus on building automation. They operate in major cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Insight Global
Average Salary: $84,406
Insight Global provides Controls Technician positions with a focus on engineering and technology. They have offices in major cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Daikin Applied
Average Salary: $83,563
Daikin Applied offers Controls Technician jobs with a focus on HVAC and building automation. They operate in major cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $82,803
Amazon.com provides Controls Technician roles with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in major cities across the United States, including Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $82,271
Tesla offers Controls Technician positions with a focus on electric vehicles and renewable energy. They operate in major cities across the United States, including Palo Alto, New York, and Los Angeles.
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Masis Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $82,000
Masis Staffing Solutions provides Controls Technician roles with a focus on engineering and technology. They operate in major cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
How to earn more as a Controls Technician?
A Controls Technician can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining more experience and expertise in the field can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in advanced technologies, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or distributed control systems (DCS), can make a technician more valuable to employers. Networking with industry professionals and attending workshops or seminars can also open up new job opportunities and higher salaries.
Certifications and additional training can significantly boost a Controls Technician's earning potential. Certifications from recognized organizations demonstrate a technician's skills and knowledge. Continuing education in areas like automation, robotics, or cybersecurity can make a technician more competitive in the job market. Seeking out roles in high-demand industries, such as manufacturing or energy, can also lead to higher pay. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can result in a more lucrative job offer. By focusing on these areas, a Controls Technician can work towards earning more in their career.
Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings:
- Gain experience and specialize in advanced technologies.
- Obtain certifications and additional training.
- Network with industry professionals and attend workshops.
- Seek roles in high-demand industries.
- Negotiate salary and benefits effectively.