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Controls Engineers Salary in the United States

How Much Does a Controls Engineers make?

Controls Engineers made a median salary around $87,555 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $97,842 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $78,925. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Controls Engineers

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Controls Engineers profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $110,433
San Francisco, CA $109,347
Oakland, CA $106,922
New York, NY $101,467
Queens Village, NY $100,810

Best-Paying States for Controls Engineers

The states and districts that pay Controls Engineers the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $96,940) , California (around $96,573) , Massachusetts (around $95,286) , Washington (around $94,935) , and New Jersey (around $94,900) .
District of Columbia $96,940
California $96,573
Massachusetts $95,286
Washington $94,935
New Jersey $94,900

What is the Career Path of Controls Engineers?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Controls Engineers, the first career path typically starts with a Control & Instrument Engineer II position , and then progresses to Control & Instrument Engineer III.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to Control & Instrument Technologist.

Besides, Controls Engineers can also turn to other related jobs, including Engineers , Software Engineers , Automation Controls Technologist and Manager, Sales Engineers .

Frequently Asked Questions for Controls Engineers

Q: What is the salary range of Controls Engineers?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Controls Engineers earned an average annual salary of $78,925 , while the highest-paid made $97,842.
Q: What is the salary for a Controls Engineers in California?
A: Controls Engineers employed in California earned an average salary of $96,573 in 2025.

Average Controls Engineers Pay vs. Other Jobs

Controls Engineers earned an average salary of $87,555 in 2025. Other jobs related to Controls Engineers earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Engineers made $112,975 , Software Engineers made $128,961 , Automation Controls Technologist and Manager, Sales Engineers made $121,400 and $154,322 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Controls Engineers

Engineers - Average Salary $112,975
There is currently no job description for Engineers, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Engineers.
Software Engineers - Average Salary $128,961
There is currently no job description for Software Engineers, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Software Engineers.
Automation Controls Technologist - Average Salary $121,400
The Automation Controls Technologist supports the implementation of electrical control systems and prototypes. Participates in engineering projects to develop, deploy, and maintain electrical control and automation systems and devices. Being an Automation Controls Technologist uses and follows engineering standards and methods to assist with modeling and testing of control systems. Collaborates with technicians and engineers to perform or validate setup, configuration, and troubleshooting tasks. In addition, Automation Controls Technologist generates calculations, documentation, and reports related to testing and performance of controllers following established methods. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Being an Automation Controls Technologist work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as an Automation Controls Technologist typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Manager, Sales Engineers - Average Salary $154,322
There is currently no job description for Manager, Sales Engineers, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Manager, Sales Engineers.
The Engineering Project Controls Management - Manager manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex designs. Plans and directs all design engineers, drafters, and technical engineers working on specific projects. Being an Engineering Project Controls Management - Manager evaluates and approves changes that substantially impact the scope, budget, or schedule of a project. Oversees product construction and testing in order to ensure completion of projects as efficiently and effectively as possible. In addition, Engineering Project Controls Management - Manager monitors progress and performance against the project plan. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Engineering Project Controls Management - Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Working as an Engineering Project Controls Management - Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.