As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Automation Engineer III in the United States is $122,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Automation Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Automation Engineer 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Automation Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Control Systems Engineer I | 0-2 years | $92,535 |
| Control Systems Engineer II | 2-4 years | $107,470 |
| Automation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $122,165 |
| Control Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $149,448 |
| Automation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,427 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Automation Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.55% |
| System Requirements | 3.55% |
| Computer Science | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Tableau
|
$136,830 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility and Adaptability
|
$129,500 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$129,500 |
6%
|
|
Emotional Intelligence
|
$128,279 |
5%
|
|
Deep Learning
|
$128,279 |
5%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$128,279 |
5%
|
Automation Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,972. While startup companies pay approximate $115,954.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $115,954 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $122,599 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $132,304 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $136,972 |
For Automation Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Automation Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $134,387 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $134,387 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $134,387 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $134,387 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $134,387 | $65.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Automation Engineer 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 July 01, 2026For a Automation Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Control Systems Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $149,500 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Automation Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,801 in 2023 to around $110,033 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Automation Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,801 |
| 2024 | $111,257 |
| 2025 | $110,033 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Automation Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
A Level 2 Automation Engineer typically earns between $114,990 and $141,830 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $128,050. These figures reflect the salary range for this position, providing a clear understanding of potential earnings in the field.
The highest-paid engineering roles in the U.S. include Automation Engineers, with a salary range from $114,990 to $141,830, and a median salary of $128,050. Other high-paying fields include Petroleum Engineers, with a median annual salary of $137,322, and Aerospace Engineers at $118,602.
California remains the top state for automation engineer jobs, with Pacifica offering the highest salaries. The salary range for automation engineers in this area is between $114,990 and $141,830, with a median salary of $128,050. In contrast, Missouri offers significantly lower compensation, making it the least favorable state for this profession.
Software Engineer III is not considered entry-level. This role typically requires three to six years of experience and involves working independently while assisting junior engineers. In terms of compensation, salaries for Automation Engineers range from a minimum of $114,990 to a maximum of $141,830, with a mid-salary of $128,050.
The highest salary for an Automation Engineer is approximately ₹14,18,300 per year, based on the maximum salary data of $141,830. In India, cities like Gurgaon and Pune offer competitive salaries, with Gurgaon reporting around ₹10,48,500 annually. Other cities like Bengaluru and Chennai also provide attractive compensation packages for this role.
How Much Does an Automation Engineer Make in the US? The salary range for an Automation Engineer in the US is between $114,990 and $141,830, with a median salary of $128,050. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and expertise.
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