As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Controls Engineer in the United States is $123,245 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Senior Controls Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior 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 a Senior 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 |
|---|---|
| Control &... Level Senior Controls Engineer | $93,842 |
| Control &... Level Senior Controls Engineer | $108,995 |
| Senior Co... Level Senior Controls Engineer | $123,901 |
| Control &... Level Senior Controls Engineer | $151,579 |
| Control &... Level Senior Controls Engineer | $166,756 |
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 Senior Controls Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.55% |
| System Requirements | 3.55% |
| Computer Science | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Tableau
|
$138,034 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility and Adaptability
|
$130,640 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$130,640 |
6%
|
|
Emotional Intelligence
|
$129,407 |
5%
|
|
Deep Learning
|
$129,407 |
5%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$129,407 |
5%
|
For Senior Controls Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Senior Controls Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Controls Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $135,570 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $135,570 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $135,570 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,570 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $135,570 | $65.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Senior Controls Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,377 in 2023 to around $111,585 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Controls Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $113,377 |
| 2024 | $112,826 |
| 2025 | $111,585 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Controls Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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