As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Automation Engineer V in Ruby, VA is $169,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
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 | $110,427 |
| Control Systems Engineer III | 4-7 years | $125,528 |
| Control Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $153,578 |
| Automation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $168,937 |
| Automation Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $171,923 |
What Am I Worth?
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 $189,320. While startup companies pay approximate $160,305.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $160,305 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $169,483 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $182,858 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $189,320 |
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 | $236,600 | $114.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $219,700 | $106.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $211,250 | $102.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $202,800 | $98.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $194,350 | $93.0 | 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 September 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 $172,000 - a projected growth of 2% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Engineer V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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