As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Programmer in Applegate, CA is $73,854 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Automation Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automation 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automation 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Automation Programmer | $70,319 |
| Intermediate Level Automation Programmer | $70,855 |
| Senior Level Automation Programmer | $75,693 |
| Specialist Level Automation Programmer | $84,076 |
| Expert Level Automation Programmer | $84,634 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 5.36% |
| Career Development | 1.79% |
| Business Administration | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Visio
|
$83,455 |
13%
|
|
Data Integrity
|
$79,762 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$79,023 |
7%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$78,285 |
6%
|
|
Java
|
$78,285 |
6%
|
|
Object Oriented Programming
|
$78,285 |
6%
|
For Automation Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 69% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Automation Programmer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automation Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $96,010 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $92,317 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $88,624 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,932 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,716 | $40.0 | 12% |
Understanding how an Automation 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 July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automation Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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