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Automation Controls Technician III Salary in the United States

How much does an Automation Controls Technician III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Controls Technician III in the United States is $97,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, an Automation Controls Technician III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $113,148
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,300 to $105,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $82,199
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View as table View as graph 25% $89,300 10% $82,199 90% $113,148 75% $105,500 $97,100 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Automation Controls Technician III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $105,500 $8,792 $2,029 $51
Average $97,100 $8,092 $1,867 $47
25th Percentile $89,300 $7,442 $1,717 $43
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Key Factors That Influence Automation Controls Technician III Salaries

An Automation Controls Technician III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Automation Controls Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Automation Controls Technician III'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:

  • Automation Controls Technician I (1-3 years): $79,430
  • Automation Controls Technician II (3-5 years): $87,982
  • Automation Controls Technician III (5-7 years): $97,080
  • Automation Engineering Manager (7+ years): $167,322
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Automation Controls Technician I1-3 years$79,430
Automation Controls Technician II3-5 years$87,982
Automation Controls Technician III5-7 years$97,080
Automation Engineering Manager7+ years$167,322
$79,430 Automatio...
$87,982 Automatio...
$97,080 Automatio...
$167,322 Automatio...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Automation Controls Technician IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $122,500
  • San Francisco: $121,200
  • Oakland: $118,600

Automation Controls Technician III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Automation Controls Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $108,976. While startup companies pay approximate $92,280.

Automation Controls Technician III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$92,280
Growth Stage51~500$97,567
Established501~5000$105,261
Enterprise5000+$108,976

Automation Controls Technician III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Automation Controls Technician III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Automation Controls Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Controls Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Automation Controls Technician III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$126,230$61.030%
Software & Networking$121,375$58.025%
Biotechnology$116,520$56.020%
Construction$111,665$54.015%
Pharmaceuticals$111,665$54.015%

Automation Controls Technician III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Automation Controls Technician III'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, 2026

Automation Controls Technician III Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Automation Controls Technician III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Automation Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $167,400 - a projected growth of 72% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Automation Controls Technician III

Salaries for an Automation Controls Technician III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,554 in 2023 to around $75,994 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Automation Controls Technician III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Automation Controls Technician III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$77,554
2024
$77,033
2025
$75,994
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $77,554
2024 $77,033
2025 $75,994
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Automation Controls Technician III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Automation Controls Technician III

Here are companies hiring for Automation Controls Technician III and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Automation Controls Technician III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Controls Technician III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Automation Controls Technician III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Automation Controls Technician III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Automation Controls Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Can you make 300k a year in tech?

While top tech roles like CTO and Principal Software Architect can exceed $300k annually, positions such as Automation Controls Technician typically offer salaries ranging from $92,600 to $117,100. Major tech hubs like San Francisco and NYC provide high-paying opportunities, but reaching $300k may require advanced roles or specialized skills.

3. How much do automation controls engineers make in the US?

Automation Controls Technicians in the US earn between $92,600 and $117,100 annually, with a median salary of $105,300. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $44.50 to $56.25, depending on experience and location.

4. Which tech job has highest salary?

The Automation Controls Technician role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $92,600, a mid-level salary of $105,300, and a maximum of $117,100. While there are many high-paying tech jobs, this position stands out for its attractive compensation in the industry.

5. Do control engineers make a lot of money?

Control engineers can earn competitive salaries. For Automation Controls Technicians, the salary ranges from a minimum of $92,600 to a mid-level of $105,300, with top earners making up to $117,100. This indicates a strong earning potential in the field, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in automation and control systems.

6. Can technicians make 100k?

Technicians can indeed make $100k per year. Based on the salary data for Automation Controls Technicians, the minimum salary is $92,600, the mid-range salary is $105,300, and the maximum salary reaches $117,100. Pay will vary depending on skills and experience, with many technicians earning within this range.

7. Is automation and control a good career?

Automation and control careers are excellent for those with strong mechanical skills and a passion for problem-solving. With a salary range from $92,600 to $117,100, you can expect job security and growth opportunities. The ongoing demand for automation technicians also offers perks like remote work options, making it a promising career choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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