As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automation Programmer in California is $77,794 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Automation Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Automation Programmer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,739 | $7,478 | $1,726 | $43 |
| Average | $77,794 | $6,483 | $1,496 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,672 | $5,806 | $1,340 | $33 |
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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 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 | $74,071 |
| Intermediate Level Automation Programmer | $74,635 |
| Senior Level Automation Programmer | $79,732 |
| Specialist Level Automation Programmer | $88,562 |
| Expert Level Automation Programmer | $89,150 |
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 Programmers. 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 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 | $101,132 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $97,243 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $93,353 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,463 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,129 | $42.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $89,739 | $7,478 | $1,726 | $43 |
| Average | $77,794 | $6,483 | $1,496 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,672 | $5,806 | $1,340 | $33 |
Ready 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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