How to hire an plc programmer

How to hire an plc programmer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step plc programmer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an plc programmer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new plc programmer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an plc programmer do?

Post an plc programmer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your plc programmer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an plc programmer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An plc programmer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, plc programmers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of plc programmers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of PLC Programmer	Description	Hourly rate
   PLC Programmer	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	$23-48
   Sap/Abap Developer	An SAP/ABAP developer is responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications through the SAP and ABAP programming codes. They conduct multiple diagnostic tests for newly-created and existing applications to ensure adherence to quality standards and requirements... Show more	$37-65
   Mainframe Developer	A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout... Show more	$33-56

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HMI
   • Allen-Bradley
   • Hmi Programming
   • Troubleshoot
   • PLC
   • Autocad
   • Control Panels
   • Ladder Logic
   • Wonderware
   • Logix
   • VFD
   • Electrical Design
   • AC
   • Ethernet

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
   • Programme an Allen-Bradley PLC system that replace an existing Omron controller in an automate concrete batch plant.
   • Installed/Program A.B., Modicon, Siemens and Omron PLCs.
   • Conduct electrical troubleshooting on servos, VFD, wiring, relays etc.
   • Work in a team and independently to troubleshoot real time programming errors in the ladder logic.
   • Write PLC, HMI, RiceLake, and cp128 codes, technical support, and sometimes start up new systems

   More plc programmer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the plc programmer job description is a good way to get more applicants. An plc programmer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an plc programmer in Iowa may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level plc programmer. Additionally, an plc programmer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average plc programmer salary

   $70,452yearly

   $33.87 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level plc programmer salary

   $49,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average plc programmer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Virginia	$90,829	$44
   2	Michigan	$87,627	$42
   3	California	$86,672	$42
   4	Colorado	$80,154	$39
   5	Florida	$79,813	$38
   6	Pennsylvania	$76,843	$37
   7	Minnesota	$76,526	$37
   8	Massachusetts	$75,416	$36
   9	Tennessee	$73,139	$35
   10	Oklahoma	$72,571	$35
   11	North Carolina	$72,105	$35
   12	Kansas	$70,830	$34
   13	Illinois	$69,774	$34
   14	Wisconsin	$69,167	$33
   15	Ohio	$68,277	$33
   16	Georgia	$67,815	$33
   17	Iowa	$65,954	$32
   18	New Mexico	$65,019	$31

   Average plc programmer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	CVR Energy	$112,843	$54.25
   2	USG	$87,911	$42.26	2
   3	Jacobs Engineering Group	$87,259	$41.95
   4	Dura Automotive Systems	$83,869	$40.32
   5	STR Holdings	$83,767	$40.27
   6	Novaspect	$83,761	$40.27
   7	Carollo Engineers	$82,632	$39.73	9
   8	G-TECH	$82,454	$39.64
   9	Anheuser-Busch	$82,085	$39.46
   10	International Paper	$81,996	$39.42
   11	General Dynamics	$79,903	$38.41	5
   12	WesTech	$79,886	$38.41
   13	National Prosource	$77,594	$37.30
   14	Venteon	$76,533	$36.79	2
   15	Retrotech, Inc.	$75,895	$36.49
   16	Jacobs Enterprises	$75,890	$36.49	1
   17	Nes Holdings	$75,383	$36.24
   18	ATS Ohio Inc	$75,348	$36.23
   19	Kuka Systems Gmbh	$75,044	$36.08
   20	Lonestar Electric Supply	$75,042	$36.08	1

4. Writing an plc programmer job description

   An plc programmer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an plc programmer job description:

   Plc programmer job description example

   The keys to success are yours at Joyson Safety Systems! We are a global leader in design, development and manufacturing of safety-critical systems and components for automotive and non-automotive markets. We are committed to bringing life-saving technology to customers worldwide. Joyson Safety Systems leverages the power of collaboration and innovation to provide quality and service excellence for our customers worldwide. Our company is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, with a global network of more than 50,000 employees in 25 countries.

   Our team is passionate about the automotive industry, focused on delivering quality and innovation for the future. We encourage lifelong learning and provide the resources to help our team members build the foundation for a strong future with us. We strive to promote from within, offering excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement.

   Our talented team is hard working and dedicated to keeping people safe. We promote a collaborative, open culture; as a global business, we encourage our team members to communicate and work with colleagues around the world. As our operations continue to expand, we are always on the lookout for top talent to join our winning team.

   We are currently seeking a PLC Programmer for our Moses Lake facility. If you are looking to enhance your career with a dynamic, growing company, then we encourage you to apply and join the JSS team!

   Summary: Hands on support to the manufacturing operation with respect to PLC and computer-based control systems, electrical/mechanical interfaces, and manufacturing equipment. Tasks may also include project work designing and implementing new solutions from beginning stage to production rollout including training and documentation.

   We provide a very comprehensive benefits package and excellent opportunities for growth. We take great pride in the work we do, and we aim to provide each of our team members with everything they need to build a lifelong career. Our team is qualified, collaborative and dedicated to keeping people safe. With us, you will enjoy a meaningful, rewarding career - join our team today!

   Requirements : AA in Computer Science or Electrical emphasis on Controls with 3-5 years' proficient in supporting automated manufacturing control systems. Experience with PLC ladder logic, Alan Bradley, RSLogix (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), Visual Studio VB programming, a plus. Electrical mechanical equipment, analog and digital devices and familiarity with NEC and CAD

   Must be able to pass a drug/alcohol screen and a background check on criminal/work history.

   We are an Affirmative Action/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find plc programmers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   To find plc programmer candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with plc programmer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with an plc programmer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new plc programmer

   Once you've decided on a perfect plc programmer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new plc programmer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an plc programmer?