As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Controls Designer in the United States is $108,705 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Controls Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Controls Designer'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 Controls Designer'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 Controls Designer | $93,136 |
| Controls ... Level Controls Designer | $108,169 |
| Control &... Level Controls Designer | $122,959 |
| Control &... Level Controls Designer | $150,419 |
| Control &... Level Controls Designer | $165,496 |
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 Controls Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.14% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 2.47% |
| CAD | 2.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Barcode
|
$132,620 |
22%
|
|
Team Building
|
$132,620 |
22%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$132,620 |
22%
|
|
Test Design
|
$129,359 |
19%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$129,359 |
19%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$128,272 |
18%
|
For Controls Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Controls Designer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Controls Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $125,011 | $60.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $121,750 | $59.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $119,576 | $57.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $117,401 | $56.0 | 8% |
| Business Services | $114,140 | $55.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Controls Designer'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, 2026Salaries for a Controls Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,871 in 2023 to around $90,567 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Controls Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $92,871 |
| 2024 | $91,587 |
| 2025 | $90,567 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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