What is a PLC controls technician?

A PLC controls technician designs, programs, repairs, and maintains programmable logic controller (PLC) systems used within manufacturing and service industries ranging from industrial packaging to commercial car washes and traffic lights.

What is a controls technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

John Irwin EdD

A controls technician installs, maintains, and repairs control systems for industrial and commercial facilities. They work with equipment such as sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient operations. Their duties include troubleshooting, system maintenance, and programming or reprogramming systems. They also work with engineers and technicians to design and install new control systems. A controls technician needs analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in electrical and mechanical systems.

What general advice would you give to a controls technician?

John Irwin EdD

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.

ScoreControls TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $53,345

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%

Asian 7.46%

Black or African American 9.53%

Hispanic or Latino 16.82%

Unknown 4.88%

White 60.63%

Gender

female 15.96%

male 84.04%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a controls technician?

Pros

Good earning potential
Opportunities for growth and advancement
High demand for skilled technicians
Job stability and security
Opportunity to work in different industries

Cons

Long working hours and on-call shifts
Risk of injury or accidents while working with machinery
Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals
Potential for travel or relocation depending on job location
Repetitive tasks can become monotonous over time

Key steps to become a controls technician

Explore controls technician education requirements

Most common controls technician degrees

Associate

38.0 %

Bachelor's

36.0 %

High School Diploma

12.8 %

Start to develop specific controls technician skills

Skills	Percentages
PLC	8.18%
Control Systems	7.00%
Preventative Maintenance	6.56%
HVAC	5.20%
HMI	4.63%

Complete relevant controls technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New controls technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a controls technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real controls technician resumes.

Gain additional controls technician certifications

Controls technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific controls technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for controls technicians include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma).

More About Certifications

Research controls technician duties and responsibilities

Supervise and manage several environmental ECAS annual, monthly and weekly reports in cooperation with regional CEMS manager for federal compliance.
Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
Work with all electrical components, relays, sensors, ac and dc motors, drivers servo systems and pneumatics systems.
Perform PLC program creation and modifications and electronic modifications to production equipment.

Prepare your controls technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your controls technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a controls technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable controls technician resume templates

Build a professional controls technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your controls technician resume.

Apply for controls technician jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a controls technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do controls technicians rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Controls technician reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020

Cons

When I do. Not accomplish my goals or tasks do not complete my work.

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019

Pros

Enjoy every aspect of this job.from dealing with my customets to making sure that the job is being done correct and on time. Customsrs being happy as well as my boss's being happy.