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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Engineering in California is $115,798 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, an Automation Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Automation Engineering Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $123,870 | $10,323 | $2,382 | $60 |
| Average | $115,798 | $9,650 | $2,227 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,234 | $8,936 | $2,062 | $52 |
Bal Seal Engineering - Lake Forest, CA
Rangeview Inc. - El Segundo, CA
Armtec Defense Technologies - Coachella, CA
Pacific Defense - Sunnyvale, CA
An Automation Engineering'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 Automation Engineering'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 |
|---|---|
| Mechanica... Level Automation Engineering | $85,409 |
| Mechanica... Level Automation Engineering | $100,713 |
| Automatio... Level Automation Engineering | $116,393 |
| Mechanica... Level Automation Engineering | $138,689 |
| Mechanica... Level Automation Engineering | $159,583 |
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 Automation Engineerings. 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 Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Automation Engineering positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $138,958 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $138,958 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $138,958 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $138,958 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $138,958 | $67.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Automation Engineering'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 | $123,870 | $10,323 | $2,382 | $60 |
| Average | $115,798 | $9,650 | $2,227 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,234 | $8,936 | $2,062 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Verus Associates, Inc
Concord, CA
Verus Associates, Inc | Concord, CA
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Los Angeles, CA
Hadrian Automation, Inc | Los Angeles, CA
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San Francisco, CA
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CSL
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA
CSL | KING OF PRUSSIA, PA
Position Purpose. The Global Automation Engineering & Technology Head is accountable for defining and executing the enterprise strategy for GxP manufacturi... more
30 Days Ago
Yaskawa
MIAMISBURG, OH
Yaskawa | MIAMISBURG, OH
The Automation Technician will manufacture and test electrical/mechanical assemblies for robotic and factory automation systems. Interface with representat... more
7 Days Ago
1007 Clarios, LLC
FLORENCE, SC
1007 Clarios, LLC | FLORENCE, SC
Position Overview: The Automation Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineers responsible for executing automation projects across our network of rec... more
5 Days Ago
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