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The differences between automation engineering technicians and controls technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an automation engineering technician, becoming a controls technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $53,345 average annual salary of a controls technician.
The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for a controls technician are PLC, control systems, and preventative maintenance.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $89,591 | $53,345 |
| Hourly rate | $43.07 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 81,592 | 53,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
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 engineering technicians and controls technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average salary | $89,591 | $53,345 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $121,000 | Between $37,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automation engineering technician and a controls technician in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation engineering technicians' and controls technicians' demographics:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |