As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control Systems Engineer III in the United States is $122,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Control Systems Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Control Systems 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 Control Systems 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 | $92,527 |
| Control Systems Engineer II | 2-4 years | $107,430 |
| Control Systems Engineer III | 4-7 years | $122,113 |
| Control Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $149,357 |
| Automation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,390 |
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 Control Systems 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
|
$136,864 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility and Adaptability
|
$129,532 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$129,532 |
6%
|
|
Emotional Intelligence
|
$128,310 |
5%
|
|
Deep Learning
|
$128,310 |
5%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$128,310 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Control Systems 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 March 01, 2026For a Control Systems 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 $149,400 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Control Systems 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 Control Systems 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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As of January 2025, the salary for a Control Systems Engineer in the United States ranges from $115,000 to $141,900 annually, with a mid-range salary of $128,100. This translates to approximately $55.29 to $68.25 per hour, or $2,192 to $3,000 per week, depending on experience and qualifications.
The highest-paid engineering careers include Petroleum Engineers with a median annual salary of $137,322, followed by Aerospace Engineers at $118,602. Control Systems Engineers earn between $115,000 and $141,900, with a mid-salary of $128,100, making them among the top earners in the engineering field.
The main difference between L3 and L4 engineers lies in their scope of work. L3 engineers can manage individual tasks that take less than two weeks with minimal guidance, while L4 engineers are capable of handling medium-to-large features that may take up to two months. In terms of salary, L3 engineers typically earn between $115,000 and $141,900, with a midpoint of $128,100.
The estimated total pay range for a Control Systems Engineer at Amazon is approximately $115K–$141.9K per year, based on salary data. The average base salary for this role is around $128.1K annually.
Control Systems Engineers in the US typically earn between $115,000 and $141,900 annually. The average salary is around $128,100, reflecting the skills and experience required in this field.
Control Systems Engineers are essential in sectors like automobile, aerospace, chemical manufacturing, and energy, where their expertise in precise process control drives economic efficiency. With salaries ranging from $115,000 to $141,900, this career not only offers competitive compensation but also the opportunity to work on innovative technologies and impactful projects.
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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