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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Controller in California is $131,235 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, an Automotive Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Automotive Controller Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $143,043 | $11,920 | $2,751 | $69 |
| Average | $131,235 | $10,936 | $2,524 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,596 | $9,883 | $2,281 | $57 |
Automotive Career Professionals - South San Francisco, CA
Department of the Air Force - Palmdale, CA
CREW Network - LAWRENCE, KS
MasTec - CASTLEWOOD, CO
An Automotive Controller'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 an Automotive Controller'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 Automotive Controller | $125,543 |
| Intermediate Level Automotive Controller | $126,122 |
| Senior Level Automotive Controller | $128,051 |
| Specialist Level Automotive Controller | $130,367 |
| Expert Level Automotive Controller | $133,319 |
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 Automotive Controllers. 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:
For Automotive Controller 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, Automotive Controller positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $144,358 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $144,358 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $144,358 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $144,358 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $144,358 | $69.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Automotive Controller'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 | $143,043 | $11,920 | $2,751 | $69 |
| Average | $131,235 | $10,936 | $2,524 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,596 | $9,883 | $2,281 | $57 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automotive Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Cox Automotive
CALICO RIDGE, NV
Cox Automotive | CALICO RIDGE, NV
Cox Automotive is seeking an Automotive Technician for our Manheim Nevada operation. In this role, you’ll diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of ve... more
7 Days Ago
Cox Automotive
COLLEGE PARK, NV
Cox Automotive | COLLEGE PARK, NV
Cox Automotive is seeking an Automotive Technician for our Manheim Nevada operation. In this role, you’ll inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of veh... more
7 Days Ago
Cox Automotive
NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV
Cox Automotive | NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV
Cox Automotive is seeking an Automotive Technician for our Manheim Nevada operation. In this role, you’ll inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of veh... more
7 Days Ago
Cox Automotive
ENTERPRISE, NV
Cox Automotive | ENTERPRISE, NV
Cox Automotive is seeking an Automotive Technician for our Manheim Nevada operation. In this role, you’ll inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of veh... more
7 Days Ago
Cox Automotive
WOODS CROSS, UT
Cox Automotive | WOODS CROSS, UT
Cox Automotive is seeking an Automotive Technician for our Manheim Utah operation. In this role, you’ll use modern diagnostic tools and OEM standards to in... more
11 Days Ago
Cox Automotive
PEORIA, AZ
Cox Automotive | PEORIA, AZ
Cox Automotive seeks an Automotive Technician to inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of vehicles supporting our remarketing and retail operations. Y... more
13 Days Ago
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