As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programmable Logic Controller Technician in Iowa is $51,872 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Programmable Logic Controller Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Programmable Logic Controller Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $58,571 | $4,881 | $1,126 | $28 |
| Average | $51,872 | $4,323 | $998 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,106 | $3,842 | $887 | $22 |
Peterson Sheet Metal, Inc. - BEMIDJI, MN
Tribal Health - NORFOLK, NE
Kingdom Networks - AUXVASSE, MO
ProAmpac - NORFOLK, NY
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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $49,291 |
| Intermediate Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $49,721 |
| Senior Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $51,270 |
| Specialist Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $54,372 |
| Expert Level Programmable Logic Controller Technician | $55,672 |
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 Programmable Logic Controller Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $58,019. While startup companies pay approximate $49,067.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $49,067 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $51,895 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $56,028 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $58,019 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $80,402 | $39.0 | 55% |
| MFG Durable | $67,434 | $32.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $62,247 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,653 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $57,059 | $27.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $58,571 | $4,881 | $1,126 | $28 |
| Average | $51,872 | $4,323 | $998 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,106 | $3,842 | $887 | $22 |
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 $67,084 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Programmable Logic Controller Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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