As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Electrical Control Systems Technician I in Montana is $74,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Electrical Control Systems Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Electrical Control Systems Technician I'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 Electrical Control Systems Technician I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Control Systems Technician I | 1-3 years | $74,985 |
| Automation Controls Technician II | 3-5 years | $83,051 |
| Automation Controls Technician III | 5-7 years | $91,638 |
| Automation Engineering Manager | 7+ years | $157,939 |
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 Electrical Control Systems Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Electrical Control Systems Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,075. While startup companies pay approximate $71,174.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $71,174 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $75,253 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $81,211 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $84,075 |
For Electrical Control Systems Technician I 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 Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Electrical Control Systems Technician positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Electrical Control Systems Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $104,986 | $50.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,487 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,738 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,988 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $86,238 | $41.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Electrical Control Systems Technician I'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 Electrical Control Systems Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Automation Controls Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $83,100 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Electrical Control Systems Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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