We are hoping to save our readers here at PLCGurus.NET a little time by compiling a list of our 5 top viewership countries, namely, the USA, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia, regarding the respective salaries one can expect to make entering the world of automation, controls and PLC programming. In this article we are aiming to answer the question, how much does a PLC programmer make?
As it turns out, this was not as easy a task as initially anticipated as the “positions” or “titles” of a person who performs PLC programming duties varies from country to country. Therefore, in order to find some commonality across borders we landed on the title “Automation Engineer” that represents a person performing PLC Programming and HMI design duties.
Additionally, the level of education significantly impacts salary expectations, with higher educational credentials often leading to better compensation.
Introduction to PLC Programming
PLC programming is a specialized field that involves designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). PLC programmers work with various hardware components, including PLCs, sensors, and power supplies, to create customized control systems for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
To become a skilled PLC programmer, one needs to learn and work with different PLC brands, such as Siemens, AB, ABB, Mitsubishi, and Schneider, and their respective software and supported commands. With the increasing demand for automation solutions, PLC programming has become a highly sought-after skill in the job market, offering a competitive average PLC programmer salary.
PLC Programmer Job Description
A PLC programmer is responsible for determining control logic requirements, specifying and documenting requirements, and assisting in the development of project functional technical specifications.
They also support equipment procurement, testing, and commissioning, and may work on PLC development, testing, and design. PLC programmers typically require a strong foundation in electrical engineering, programming, and problem-solving skills.
The average PLC programmer salary in the USA is around $85,000 per year, with experienced PLC programmers earning up to $110,000 per year. PLC programmers can work in various industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, and may be employed as project managers, developers, or engineers.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make?
As eluded to previously, this is not a cut and dry answer. There are many factors that will impact what you will make performing the duties of a PLC Programmer that include but are not limited to, your educational background, the country, state, city in which you reside, the number of years you’ve been working in the field, and of course the company you are working for.
According to recent data, the national average salary for PLC programmers can vary significantly based on these factors. The info graphics provided below, will provide a range of salaries one can expect to make in their respective countries and also the average salary and median for that country.
Developers in the field of PLC programming play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining software solutions, as well as collaborating with teams to enhance existing products and systems across various programming environments.
All country data for the job title “Automation Engineer” indicated that this position would typically be held by someone who had less than 20 years experience after which individuals would typically move on to more senior positions.
Earning Potential
The earning potential for PLC programmers varies based on factors such as location, experience, and industry. According to national averages, the average PLC programmer salary is around $72,589 per year, with a range of $64,052 to $82,930 per year. However, PLC programmers in certain cities, such as Midland, TX, and Austin, TX, can earn higher salaries, with averages ranging from $80,000 to over $140,000 per year.
Experienced PLC programmers with advanced skills and certifications can also command higher salaries, with some earning up to $150,000 per year. The average base salary for a PLC programmer is around $72,589 per year, with total cash compensation ranging from $65,316 to $84,881 per year.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make – USA
As you can see, an Automation Engineer in the United States makes on average $72,731 USD per year with a median salary of $73,569 USD for full-time positions. With an overall salary range of $53,505 USD on the low end to $101,242 USD on the high end. Proof that being an Automation Engineer (a.k.a PLC Programmer) in the United States can be very lucrative.
On average, a PLC programmer earns approximately $35 per hour, with variations based on experience and entry-level positions.
Want to know what skills you will need to acquire to secure a job as an Automation Engineer or PLC Programmer in the United States? Check out our article How To Become A PLC Programmer – USA.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make – Canada
As you can see, an Automation Engineer in Canada makes on average $64,369 CAD (approx. $50K USD) per year with a median salary of $67,487 CAD (approx $53K USD). With an overall salary range of $49,074 CAD (approx $38K USD) on the low end to $94,217 CAD (approx $74K USD) on the high end. Proof that being an Automation Engineer (a.k.a PLC Programmer) in Canada can be similarly lucrative but not quite as lucrative as its American counterpart.
If you’re interested in finding out what it takes to become a skilled Automation Engineer or PLC Programmer in Canada? Check out our article How To Become A PLC Programmer – Canada.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make – UK
As you can see, an Automation Engineer in the United Kingdom makes on average $35,138 GBP (approx. $48K USD) per year with a median salary of $36,562 GBP (approx. $50K USD). With an overall salary range of $22,510 GBP (approx. $31K USD) on the low end to $54,128 GBP (approx. $74K) on the high end.
To be honest we found this to be quite a bit lower than I expected considering the cost of living in the UK (especially London) on average is significantly higher than that in the USA. That said, a career as an Automation Engineer (a.k.a PLC Programmer) in the UK can still allow you to live reasonably comfortably based on these numbers. It’s important to understand how much PLC programmers are paid in the UK to set realistic salary expectations for this role.
If you’re interested in finding out what it takes to become a skilled Automation Engineer or PLC Programmer in the UK? Check out our article How To Become A PLC Programmer – UK.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make – Germany
As you can see, an Automation Engineer in Germany makes on average $44,811 EUR (approx. $54K USD) per year with a median salary of $43,085 EUR (approx. $52K USD). With an overall salary range of $24,613 EUR (approx. $30K USD) on the low end to $60,427 EUR (approx. $73K) on the high end.
Again, I found this to be a little lower than I expected, however, the cost of living in Germany for consumer goods is on average 1.25% lower than in the USA and rent is on average 9.5% lower than in the USA. That said, a career as an Automation Engineer (a.k.a PLC Programmer) in Germany can allow for a very comfortably lifestyle based on these numbers.
PLC programmers play a crucial role in the implementation of automation solutions in Germany, focusing on the design and development processes to create new features within their applications.
If you’re interested in finding out what it takes to become a skilled Automation Engineer or PLC Programmer in Germany? Check out our article How To Become A PLC Programmer – Germany.
How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make – Australia
As you can see, an Automation Engineer in Australia makes on average $82,187 AUD (approx. $62K USD) per year with a median salary of $82,984 AUD (approx. $63K USD). With an overall salary range of $60,242 AUD (approx. $46K USD) on the low end to $120,216 AUD (approx. $91K) on the high end.
There are plenty of job opportunities for PLC programmers in Australia.
Surprisingly out of the 5 countries sampled Australia came in with the closest salary when compared to the United States…at first glance anyway. However, the cost of living in Australia is on average 8.5% higher than that of the United States for consumer goods and the gap closes slightly for accommodations at about 6% higher.
That said, a career as an Automation Engineer (a.k.a PLC Programmer) in Australia seems to be quite lucrative still. If you’re interested in finding out what it takes to become a skilled Automation Engineer or PLC Programmer in Australia? Check out our article How To Become A PLC Programmer – Australia.
Automation Solutions and Industry Demand
The demand for automation solutions is driving the growth of the PLC programming industry, with companies seeking skilled PLC programmers to design and implement customized control systems. PLC programmers work on various projects, including industrial automation, process control, and building automation, and may be employed by companies that specialize in electrical engineering, project management, and development.
The increasing use of automation technologies, such as SCADA and commissioning, is also creating new job opportunities for PLC programmers. As the industry continues to evolve, PLC programmers with expertise in areas such as data analysis, machine learning, and IoT will be in high demand, with companies offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.
Career Development and Growth
PLC programmers can advance their careers by acquiring new skills, certifications, and experience. With the increasing demand for automation solutions, PLC programmers can move into senior roles, such as project managers, developers, or engineers, or start their own consulting businesses.
PLC programmers can also transition into related fields, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science, and pursue advanced degrees or certifications to enhance their career prospects.
The average PLC programmer salary can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry, but with the right skills and experience, PLC programmers can earn competitive salaries and enjoy a high level of job satisfaction.
By continuing to learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends, PLC programmers can build successful and rewarding careers in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
The Results Are In – How Does Your Country Rank!
We’ve analyzed the salaries for an Automation Engineer (a.k.a. PLC Programmer) over a wide range of countries and I think it’s safe to say we’ve answered the question – How much does a PLC Programmer make? If your country was omitted then please feel free to check out Payscale.com to search your own geographic region or locale.
Projects in these countries are meticulously planned, designed, and managed to meet and surpass client expectations, emphasizing the importance of effective project management in the engineering field.
So let’s see how the five countries we researched ranked.
- The United States gets the top spot for a career in the field of automation, control and PLC Programming. If you live in the US, then a career in this field can pay extremely well.
- Germany claims the number two spot in a close second to the USA.
- Next comes Canada, with it’s salary range/cost of living ratio it just surpasses Australia who claims our number four spot.
- The Aussey’s claim the number four spot neck and neck with Canada.
- The United Kingdom rounds out our last spot with the lowest overall salary for an Automation Engineer (a.k.a. PLC Programmer). I’m not sure what to attribute this to other than the technology sector in the UK may not be as large as the other countries reviewed.
Well there you have it. As you can see the field of automation and control pays very well irrespective of the country you live. However, if you’re fortunate enough to live in the USA, Germany or Canada it can certainly pay bigger dividends.