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What is a process control programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a process control programmer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $32.46 an hour? That's $67,508 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -8% and produce -83,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreProcess Control ProgrammerUS Average
Salary
5.3

Avg. Salary $67,508

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.3

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.88%

Asian 6.30%

Black or African American 5.09%

Hispanic or Latino 13.67%

Unknown 5.46%

White 68.60%

Gender

female 16.33%

male 83.67%

Age - 43
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 - 43
Stress level
6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Process control programmer career paths

Key steps to become a process control programmer

  1. Explore process control programmer education requirements

    Most common process control programmer degrees

    Bachelor's

    55.6 %

    Associate

    34.9 %

    Master's

    3.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific process control programmer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HMI20.34%
    PLC19.00%
    Data Processing14.96%
    Control Systems14.50%
    XML4.08%
  3. Complete relevant process control programmer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New process control programmers 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 process control programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real process control programmer resumes.
  4. Research process control programmer duties and responsibilities

    • Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
    • Play key role in developing and installing Wonderware HMI to interface to PLC and DCS systems.
    • Convert customer files from FTP sites to BCC compatible formats ensuring files meet USPS postal regulations.
    • Modify PLC and DCS systems and programs to adapt the steelmaking process to be more efficient, cleaner, and safer.
  5. Apply for process control programmer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a process control programmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

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

How did you land your first process control programmer job

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Average process control programmer salary

The average process control programmer salary in the United States is $67,508 per year or $32 per hour. Process control programmer salaries range between $48,000 and $93,000 per year.

Average process control programmer salary
$67,508 Yearly
$32.46 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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