Programmable logic controller Programmer Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programmable logic controller Programmer in the United States is $119,483 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): $138,032
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,107 to $129,192
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,481
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View as table View as graph 25% $111,107 10% $103,481 90% $138,032 75% $129,192 $119,483 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Programmable logic controller Programmer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $129,192 $10,766 $2,484 $62
Average $119,483 $9,957 $2,298 $57
25th Percentile $111,107 $9,259 $2,137 $53
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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): $89,955
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $104,481
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $118,769
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,301
  • Expert (over 8 years): $159,849
Levels Salary
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$89,955
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$104,481
Programma... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$118,769
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$145,301
Control &... Level Programmable logic controller Programmer$159,849
$89,955 0 yr
$104,481 < 2 yrs
$118,769 2-4 yrs
$145,301 5-8 yrs
$159,849 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

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: $132,292.
  • California: $131,790.
  • Massachusetts: $130,033.

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: $150,704
  • San Francisco: $149,054
  • Oakland: $145,913

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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.55%
System Requirements 3.55%
Computer Science 1.84%
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
$133,821
12%
Flexibility and Adaptability
$126,652
6%
Machine Learning
$126,652
6%
Emotional Intelligence
$125,457
5%
Deep Learning
$125,457
5%
Algorithms
$125,457
5%
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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$131,431$63.010%
Biotechnology$131,431$63.010%
Chemicals$131,431$63.010%
Energy & Utilities$131,431$63.010%
Healthcare$131,431$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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Programmable logic controller Programmer

Salaries for a Programmable logic controller Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,681 in 2023 to around $106,963 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Programmable logic controller Programmer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Programmable logic controller Programmer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$108,681
2024
$108,153
2025
$106,963
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $108,681
2024 $108,153
2025 $106,963
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Programmable logic controller Programmer

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

Find Your Next Programmable logic controller Programmer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Programmable logic controller Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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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.

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