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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Controls Engineer in South Dakota is $61,956 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Entry Level Controls Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Controls Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $67,637 | $5,636 | $1,301 | $33 |
| Average | $61,956 | $5,163 | $1,191 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,490 | $4,707 | $1,086 | $27 |
Marvin - SIOUX FALLS, SD
Marvin - BISMARCK, ND
Marvin - FARGO, ND
Marvin - EAST GRAND FORKS, MN
An Entry Level Controls Engineer'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 Entry Level Controls Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Stationar... Level Entry Level Controls Engineer | $49,588 |
| Stationar... Level Entry Level Controls Engineer | $55,095 |
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Controls Engineer | $62,336 |
| Stationar... Level Entry Level Controls Engineer | $77,730 |
| Stationar... Level Entry Level Controls Engineer | $75,547 |
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 Entry Level Controls Engineers. 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 Entry Level Controls Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Controls Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Controls Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $99,130 | $48.0 | 60% |
| Biotechnology | $92,935 | $45.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $89,837 | $43.0 | 45% |
| Financial Services | $86,739 | $42.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,543 | $39.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Controls Engineer'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 | $67,637 | $5,636 | $1,301 | $33 |
| Average | $61,956 | $5,163 | $1,191 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,490 | $4,707 | $1,086 | $27 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Marvin
LAUDERDALE, MN
Marvin | LAUDERDALE, MN
Marvin is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and support automation and control systems for our premium window and door manufacturing operatio... more
3 Days Ago
Marvin
NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, OH
Marvin | NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, OH
Marvin is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and support PLC- and HMI-based automation for our premium window, door, and skylight manufacturin... more
3 Days Ago
Marvin
TRAMMELLS, TX
Marvin | TRAMMELLS, TX
Marvin is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and support automation and control systems for our premium window and door manufacturing operatio... more
3 Days Ago
GE Vernova
UPPER UNION, NY
GE Vernova | UPPER UNION, NY
GE Vernova is seeking a Controls Research Engineer to join our R&D team advancing next‑generation control algorithms for low‑carbon power, grid, and renewa... more
4 Days Ago
Marvin
GRAFTON, ND
Marvin | GRAFTON, ND
Marvin is seeking an Entry Level Production Associate to join our people-first, safety-focused manufacturing team producing premium windows, doors, and sky... more
3 Days Ago
Marvin
PEMBINA, ND
Marvin | PEMBINA, ND
Marvin is seeking an Entry Level Production Associate to join our people-first, safety-focused manufacturing team producing premium windows, doors, and sky... more
3 Days Ago
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