As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Controls Engineer in the United States is $120,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Controls Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Controls Engineer'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 Controls Engineer'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 Controls Engineer | $116,116 |
| Intermediate Level Controls Engineer | $116,751 |
| Senior Level Controls Engineer | $118,020 |
| Specialist Level Controls Engineer | $121,655 |
| Expert Level Controls Engineer | $124,970 |
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 Controls Engineers. 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
|
$135,124 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility and Adaptability
|
$127,885 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$127,885 |
6%
|
|
Emotional Intelligence
|
$126,678 |
5%
|
|
Deep Learning
|
$126,678 |
5%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$126,678 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Controls Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Controls Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,822 in 2023 to around $108,086 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Controls Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $109,822 |
| 2024 | $109,288 |
| 2025 | $108,086 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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