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The differences between automation & controls engineers and controls 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 a controls technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $53,345 average annual salary of a controls technician.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a controls technician are PLC, control systems, and preventative maintenance.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Controls Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $53,345 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 53,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
A controls technician is in charge of operating various systems within a building or facility. Although the responsibilities will vary upon the line of work or employment, the duties still revolve around using software to control types of machinery and systems such as manufacturing devices and equipment, even lighting and ventilation. It is crucial to coordinate with department managers and supervisors to avoid any technical problems and ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
Automation & controls engineers and controls technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Controls Technician | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $53,345 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $37,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and a controls technician in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Controls Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and controls technicians' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Controls Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |