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The differences between controls technicians and controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a controls technician, becoming a controls engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a controls engineer has an average salary of $84,532, which is higher than the $53,345 average annual salary of a controls technician.
The top three skills for a controls technician include PLC, control systems and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Controls Technician | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,345 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $25.65 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | -4% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 53,158 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Controls technicians and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Controls Technician | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $53,345 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $75,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Buffalo Grove, IL | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a controls technician and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Controls Technician | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between controls technicians' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Controls Technician | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |