As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Automation Engineer V in the United States is $164,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Automation Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Automation Engineer V'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 V'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 II | 2-4 years | $107,480 |
| Control Systems Engineer III | 4-7 years | $122,178 |
| Control Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $149,471 |
| Automation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,437 |
| Automation Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $167,322 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Automation Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $184,619. While startup companies pay approximate $156,335.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $156,335 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $165,291 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $178,325 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $184,619 |
For Automation Engineer V 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Automation Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $230,300 | $111.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $213,850 | $103.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $205,625 | $99.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $197,400 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $189,175 | $91.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Automation Engineer V'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 a Automation Engineer V, 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 2% over your current level.
Salaries for a Automation Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $154,750 in 2023 to around $153,017 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Automation Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $154,750 |
| 2024 | $154,964 |
| 2025 | $153,017 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Automation Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
South Korea is a top destination for automation jobs, boasting the highest robot density globally. With a competitive salary range for Automation Engineers between $162,200 and $205,700, professionals can thrive in this dynamic market. Other notable countries include Japan, China, Germany, and the United States, all offering robust opportunities in automation.
The future of automation engineering is promising, driven by trends like AI, machine learning, and 5G integration. These advancements present challenges but also significant opportunities for innovation and growth. With salaries ranging from $162,200 to $205,700, the demand for skilled automation engineers is expected to rise, making it a lucrative career choice.
While many jobs face automation, certain roles are projected to thrive. For instance, Nurse Practitioners are expected to grow by 45.7%, and Mental Health Counselors by 22.1%. Automation Engineers, with salaries ranging from $162,200 to $205,700, will also remain in demand as they design and maintain automated systems, ensuring job security in a tech-driven future.
The salary for a 10-year Automation Engineer typically ranges from ₹16.22 Lakhs to ₹20.57 Lakhs, with a mid-salary of approximately ₹18.14 Lakhs. This reflects the experience level and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation package for skilled professionals.
The salary for a QA Automation Engineer in the USA typically ranges from a minimum of $162,200 to a maximum of $205,700, with a mid-range salary of $181,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the value of skilled professionals in automation engineering.
Automation Engineers are among the highest-paid engineering roles, with salaries ranging from $162,200 to $205,700. The average salary is approximately $181,400, making this position highly lucrative compared to other engineering jobs.
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