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Control Systems Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Control Systems Engineer III make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,113
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $113,600 to $132,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,770

Key Factors That Influence Control Systems Engineer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Control Systems Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Control Systems Engineer I (0-2 years): $92,539
  • Control Systems Engineer II (2-4 years): $107,491
  • Control Systems Engineer III (4-7 years): $122,191
  • Control Systems Engineer IV (7+ years): $149,495
  • Automation Engineer V (7-10 years): $164,446
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Control Systems Engineer I0-2 years$92,539
Control Systems Engineer II2-4 years$107,491
Control Systems Engineer III4-7 years$122,191
Control Systems Engineer IV7+ years$149,495
Automation Engineer V7-10 years$164,446

Top Paying Cities for Control Systems Engineer 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: $154,200
  • San Francisco: $152,500
  • Oakland: $149,300

What Skills Can Increase a Control Systems Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.55% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • System Requirements (Mentioned in 3.55% Job Postings): System requirements is a statement that identifies the functionality that is needed by a system in order to satisfy the customer's requirements. System requirements are a broad and also narrow subject that could be implemented to many items.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.84% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.55%
System Requirements 3.55%
Computer Science 1.84%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Control Systems Engineer III's salary.

  • Tableau: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Tableau $136,864
12%
Flexibility and Adaptability $129,532
6%
Machine Learning $129,532
6%

Control Systems Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Control Systems Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,893. While startup companies pay approximate $115,913.

Control Systems Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $115,913
Growth Stage 51~500 $122,550
Established 501~5000 $132,221
Enterprise 5000+ $136,893

Control Systems Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Control Systems 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, Control Systems Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Control Systems Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Control Systems Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$134,420$65.010%
Biotechnology$134,420$65.010%
Chemicals$134,420$65.010%
Energy & Utilities$134,420$65.010%
Healthcare$134,420$65.010%

Control Systems Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$113,600
Average $122,200/year
$132,100
$9,467
Average $10,183/month
$11,008
$2,185
Average $2,350/week
$2,540
$55
Average $59/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $132,100 $11,008 $2,540 $64
Average $122,200 $10,183 $2,350 $59
25th Percentile $113,600 $9,467 $2,185 $55

Control Systems Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

For 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 $149,500 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Control Systems Engineer III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Control Systems Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Control Systems Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Control Systems Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Control Systems Engineer III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Control Systems Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much do L3 engineers make in the US?

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.

3. What is the highest paid engineer in us?

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.

4. What is L3 vs L4 engineer?

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.

5. How much does a system engineer III make at Amazon?

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.

6. How much do control systems engineers make in the US?

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.

7. Is Control Systems Engineer a good career?

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.

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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