As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Controls Technician I in Challenge, CA is $81,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Automation Controls Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automation Controls Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automation Controls Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Automation Controls Technician I | 1-3 years | $81,444 |
| Automation Controls Technician II | 3-5 years | $90,212 |
| Automation Controls Technician III | 5-7 years | $99,541 |
| Automation Engineering Manager | 7+ years | $171,564 |
What Am I Worth?
Automation Controls Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,468. While startup companies pay approximate $77,455.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $77,455 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $81,892 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $88,350 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $91,468 |
For Automation Controls Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Automation Controls Technician positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Controls Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $114,100 | $55.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $105,950 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $101,875 | $49.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $97,800 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $93,725 | $45.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Automation Controls Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an Automation Controls Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Automation Controls Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $90,300 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Controls Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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