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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Controls Technician in Virginia is $86,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an Automation Controls Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Automation Controls Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,418 | $7,868 | $1,816 | $45 |
| Average | $86,150 | $7,179 | $1,657 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,209 | $6,517 | $1,504 | $38 |
DOSWELL OPERATING GROUP - Richmond, VA
Perdue Farms - Bridgewater, VA
Boar's Head - Petersburg, VA
Trane Technologies - Ashland, VA
An Automation Controls Technician'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.
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 Automation Controls Technicians. 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 Automation Controls Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 97% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 45% above the average. In contrast, Automation Controls Technician positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Controls Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $124,918 | $60.0 | 45% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $116,303 | $56.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $110,272 | $53.0 | 28% |
| Energy & Utilities | $101,657 | $49.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $96,488 | $46.0 | 12% |
Understanding how an Automation Controls Technician'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 | $94,418 | $7,868 | $1,816 | $45 |
| Average | $86,150 | $7,179 | $1,657 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,209 | $6,517 | $1,504 | $38 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Controls Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Appomattox River Water Authority
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Ashburn, VA
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Liberty Personnel Services, Inc
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