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Programmable logic controller Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does a Programmable logic controller Programmer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programmable logic controller Programmer in the United States is $119,496 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, a Programmable logic controller Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,046
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,119 to $129,206
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,492
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Programmable logic controller Programmer Salaries

A Programmable logic controller Programmer'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 Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Programmable logic controller Programmer'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): $89,957
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $104,492
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $118,782
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,324
  • Expert (over 8 years): $159,858
Levels Salary
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$89,957
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$104,492
Programma... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$118,782
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$145,324
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$159,858
View as Graph

How Do Programmable logic controller Programmer 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 Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $132,306.
  • California: $131,804.
  • Massachusetts: $130,047.

Top Paying Cities for Programmable logic controller Programmers

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: $150,720
  • San Francisco: $149,070
  • Oakland: $145,929

What Skills Can Increase a Programmable logic controller Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.55% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • System Requirements (Mentioned in 3.55% Job Postings): System requirements is a statement that identifies the functionality that is needed by a system in order to satisfy the customer's requirements. System requirements are a broad and also narrow subject that could be implemented to many items.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.84% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.55%
System Requirements 3.55%
Computer Science 1.84%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Programmable logic controller Programmer's salary.

  • Tableau: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Machine Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Tableau $133,836
12%
Flexibility and Adaptability $126,666
6%
Machine Learning $126,666
6%
Get Latest Data

Programmable logic controller Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Programmable logic controller Programmer 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, Programmable logic controller Programmer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Programmable logic controller Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Programmable logic controller Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$131,446$63.010%
Biotechnology$131,446$63.010%
Chemicals$131,446$63.010%
Energy & Utilities$131,446$63.010%
Healthcare$131,446$63.010%

Programmable logic controller Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Programmable logic controller Programmer'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 September 01, 2026
$111,119
Average $119,496/year
$129,206
$9,260
Average $9,958/month
$10,767
$2,137
Average $2,298/week
$2,485
$53
Average $57/hour
$62
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $129,206 $10,767 $2,485 $62
Average $119,496 $9,958 $2,298 $57
25th Percentile $111,119 $9,260 $2,137 $53

Most common benefits for Programmable logic controller Programmer

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

Common company salaries for Programmable logic controller Programmer

Here are companies hiring for Programmable logic controller Programmer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Programmable logic controller Programmer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Programmable logic controller Programmer?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Programmable logic controller Programmer roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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.)

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