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The differences between automation & controls engineers and automation engineering technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an automation & controls engineer, becoming an automation engineering technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $89,542 average annual salary of an automation & controls engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an automation engineering technician are PLC, HMI, and automation engineering.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Automation Engineering Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $89,591 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $43.07 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 81,592 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
An automation & controls engineer is responsible for designing technology systems to support business operations and maximize productivity, minimizing costing effects, and develop efficient and fast deliverables. Automation & controls engineers analyze client specifications and business requirements, running multiple diagnostic and troubleshooting tests to ensure the accuracy of outputs according to budget limitations and project management procedures. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, especially on writing system codes and a strong command of programming languages.
An automation engineer technician specializes in developing and maintaining automated systems in various industries. They are responsible for responding to reports involving complex issues, inspecting systems, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing parts, and maintaining extensive records. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, develop and implement test structures, perform upgrades and modifications, establish guidelines, and communicate directly with clients in an effort to solve issues and concerns. Moreover, they provide technical support to staff, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Automation & controls engineers and automation engineering technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Automation Engineering Technician | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $89,591 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $66,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | - |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | - |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and an automation engineering technician in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Automation Engineering Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and automation engineering technicians' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Automation Engineering Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |