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Process control programmer vs process controller

The differences between process control programmers and process controllers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a process control programmer and a process controller. Additionally, a process controller has an average salary of $74,534, which is higher than the $67,508 average annual salary of a process control programmer.

The top three skills for a process control programmer include HMI, PLC and data processing. The most important skills for a process controller are process control, SOX, and continuous improvement.

Process control programmer vs process controller overview

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Controller
Yearly salary$67,508$74,534
Hourly rate$32.46$35.83
Growth rate-8%11%
Number of jobs58,85836,826
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age4346
Years of experience22

Process control programmer vs process controller salary

Process control programmers and process controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Controller
Average salary$67,508$74,534
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $93,000Between $49,000 And $112,000
Highest paying CityCovina, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWyoming
Best paying companyBAE SystemsGoogle
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between process control programmer and process controller education

There are a few differences between a process control programmer and a process controller in terms of educational background:

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Controller
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyStanford University

Process control programmer vs process controller demographics

Here are the differences between process control programmers' and process controllers' demographics:

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Controller
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 83.7% Female, 16.3%Male, 55.3% Female, 44.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 4.8% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between process control programmer and process controller duties and responsibilities

Process control programmer example 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.
  • Analyze and correct errors in JCL and programs.
  • Process, program, and assist in set-up of CNC mills.
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Process controller example responsibilities.

  • Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
  • Develop and maintain documentation in compliance with the ISO standard.
  • Train new personnel in ISO procedures, and basic company rules.
  • Make sure safety standards and GMP's are adhere to at all times.
  • Design the automation profile for the evaporator area including start up, shutdown, and CIP of all evaporator equipment.
  • Troubleshoot PLC issues and add new control logic to address safety concerns, improve production rates, and reduce reagent usage.
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Process control programmer vs process controller skills

Common process control programmer skills
  • HMI, 20%
  • PLC, 19%
  • Data Processing, 15%
  • Control Systems, 14%
  • XML, 4%
  • BCC, 4%
Common process controller skills
  • Process Control, 12%
  • SOX, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Process Improvement, 5%
  • Sigma, 4%

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