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Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary in the United States

How much does a Programmable Logic Controller Technician make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programmable Logic Controller Technician in the United States is $54,194 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Programmable Logic Controller Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,584
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,436 to $61,203
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,104
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salaries

A Programmable Logic Controller Technician'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 Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Programmable Logic Controller Technician'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $52,064
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $52,419
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $53,697
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $58,169
Levels Salary
Entry Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician$52,064
Intermediate Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician$52,419
Senior Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician$53,697
Specialist Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician$56,809
Expert Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician$58,169
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How Do Programmable Logic Controller Technicians Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Programmable Logic Controller Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $60,004.
  • California: $59,776.
  • Massachusetts: $58,979.

Top Paying Cities for Programmable Logic Controller Technician

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: $68,355
  • San Francisco: $67,606
  • Oakland: $66,182

Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Programmable Logic Controller Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,667. While startup companies pay approximate $51,323.

Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $51,323
Growth Stage 51~500 $54,280
Established 501~5000 $58,585
Enterprise 5000+ $60,667

Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Programmable Logic Controller Technician 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 Energy & Utilities and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 55% above the average. In contrast, Programmable Logic Controller Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Programmable Logic Controller Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Programmable Logic Controller Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$84,001$40.055%
MFG Durable$70,452$34.030%
Pharmaceuticals$65,033$31.020%
Aerospace & Defense$62,323$30.015%
Biotechnology$59,613$29.010%

Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Programmable Logic Controller Technician'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, 2026
$49,436
Average $54,194/year
$61,203
$4,120
Average $4,516/month
$5,100
$951
Average $1,042/week
$1,177
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,203 $5,100 $1,177 $29
Average $54,194 $4,516 $1,042 $26
25th Percentile $49,436 $4,120 $951 $24

Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salary Growth & Career Path

Programmable Logic Controller Technician

Next Role

For a Programmable Logic Controller Technician, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Automated Equipment Technician role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $70,102 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Programmable Logic Controller Technician

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

Common company salaries for Programmable Logic Controller Technician

Here are companies hiring for Programmable Logic Controller Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Programmable Logic Controller Technician

1. Where can a Programmable Logic Controller Technician earn the most?

A Programmable Logic Controller Technician's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Programmable Logic Controller Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Programmable Logic Controller Technician is $68,355.

2. What is the highest pay for Programmable Logic Controller Technician?

The highest pay for Programmable Logic Controller Technician is $67,584.

3. What is the lowest pay for Programmable Logic Controller Technician?

The lowest pay for Programmable Logic Controller Technician is $45,104.

4. What are the responsibilities of Programmable Logic Controller Technician?

Performs installation, programming, and maintenance of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and related control systems used in automated manufacturing environments. Diagnoses and resolves PLC, sensor, and network communication issues to ensure consistent system performance. Modifies existing programs to improve efficiency, quality, or safety. Collaborates with engineers and operators to test, validate, and document control logic changes. Maintains records of all programming modifications and system updates. Requires a high school diploma. May require vendor specific PLC certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Programmable Logic Controller Technician?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Programmable Logic Controller Technician roles, with salaries approximately 55% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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