Whether seeking to enter the Automation related job market or looking for advancement from your current job, the online Automation Technician program at George Brown College can help you acquire the knowledge and skills that you need to help propel your career forward.

As manufacturing facilities embrace advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced robotics, additive manufacturing (3D Printing) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the role of technicians has had to evolve to keep pace with these changes.  Automation Technicians today are problem-solvers and system integrators, their work spans mechanical, electrical, and digital fields. Their responsibilities can range from the simplest systems like fuses and motors to the more complex programming and troubleshooting machinery and systems, data analysis for performance optimizations and enhancing productivity on the manufacturing floor. 

People trained in the industrial automation sector work in a variety of jobs with many different titles, including.

• Automation Technician
• Automation Specialist
• Process Technician
• Controls Technician
• PLC Programmer
• Instrumentation Technician
• Maintenance Technician
• Robotics Technician

Sectors where Automation Technicians are in demand:

• Automotive Industry - vehicle assembly, manufacturing, and testing.
• Electronics Manufacturing - production of electronic components and devices.
• Pharmaceuticals - drug manufacturing, packaging, and quality control.
• Food and Beverage Processing - food production, from ingredient mixing to packaging.
• Aerospace - manufacturing aircraft and defense equipment.
• Energy and Utilities - power generation, distribution, and grid management.
• Mining – ore extraction, processing, and transportation.
• Transportation - logistics, warehousing, and automated vehicles.

Salary range 

The average salary for Automation Technicians in the United States is $96,154. This figure can vary based on factors such as experience, education, geographic location, and industry type.

What Is the Job Outlook for An Automation Technician?

In this new era of smart manufacturing, Automation Technicians will play a critical role in driving innovation, improving efficiency, and keeping complex systems running smoothly. Today’s technicians need to adapt quickly to the new tools and systems and diversify their skillset. As the industry transforms, so do the opportunities—for those with the right training, the future is full of potential.