Automation has transformed manufacturing in recent years. Companies that rely on automation need technicians to install and maintain their automated systems. Today, many adults consider these careers because they offer strong salaries and ample opportunities in a range of industries—without requiring four-year degrees.

If you're an adult who is upskilling or considering a career shift and seeking training to become an automation technician, it's important to understand salary ranges, pay differences by experience, and which skills can increase your earnings. This information can help you make better choices as you move forward.

Key takeaways:

• Automation technicians install and maintain automated equipment.
• Salaries in the United States and Canada are competitive, offering technicians a chance at lucrative careers.
• Learning the right skills, such as PLC and SCADA, can boost earnings.
• AI-assisted diagnostics and IoT integration skills influence pay alongside traditional PLC and SCADA knowledge.
• Adults hoping to pursue a career in this field should start with automation technician training from a reputable, flexible program designed for adult learners.

What Does an Automation Technician Do?

Automation technicians install and maintain automated equipment in various industries. Technicians are responsible for programming, maintaining, and debugging PLCs. They respond to alarms, perform system diagnostics, and manage and maintain sensors that keep automated systems moving. Automation technicians help keep modern automated facilities running.

Automation Technician Salaries in North America

Where you work impacts how much you make. Below are automation technician salary ranges for workers in the U.S. and in Canada.

Average Salary in Canada

The average salary for an automation technician in Canada is approximately $63,000 annually. This is base pay, and workers often earn an additional $8,000 in a normal year, as overtime shift premium and emergency call-outs add to pay. A typical range for this type of work is $53,000 to $74,000 annually, with additional pay.

Average Salary in the United States

In the United States, the average salary for an automation technician is approximately $53,000 per year, with a normal range from $47,000 to $58,000.

What Determines How Much I'll Make?

Many factors determine salary, including experience, skills, and geographic location. Your industry will also affect your salary, since automation is found in many industries.

Automation Technician Salary by Experience Level

Entry-Level

Entry-level positions focus on electrical maintenance and troubleshooting. These individuals assist senior technicians while solidifying their skills. In these first few years, you'll be a trainee, learning the ropes and preparing for bigger roles down the road.

Typical wages in entry-level positions:

• Canada: $50,000 to $60,000
• United States: $40,000 to $50,000

As you gain hands-on experience, your salary should increase.

Mid-Career

In your mid-career, you may branch out into PLC programming or become a controls technician. You may also become a team lead. These roles command higher salaries, depending on what you're doing and where you're working. PLC technicians in Canada make approximately $84,000 per year, while U.S. technicians make an average of $71,000 per year.

Advanced or Specialist Roles

As you become more advanced, you may lead projects, become a manager, or take the role of senior automation technician. Top earners with PLC programming knowledge in Canada make over $120,000, while top earners in the U.S. make an average of $94,000 per year.

In-Demand Industries

Many industries require help from automation technicians. Some industries that pay automation technicians the most include:

• Manufacturing and industrial automation: This industry includes automotive, packaging and logistics, and food processing.
• Energy and utilities: Some automation technicians earn more in these industries due to the complexity of the systems, which require more specialized skills.

Skills That Can Boost Your Salary

As you advance in your automation career, some skills can significantly increase your salary, including:

• PLC programming: PLC programming can boost pay significantly and unlock a range of opportunities once you reach the middle and late stages of your career. As a PLC programmer, you'll install, troubleshoot, write, test, and maintain programmable logic controller technology.
• SCADA system troubleshooting: SCADA systems monitor and control industrial processes. Technicians who can manage SCADA environments are highly employable in various industries.
• Alarm management and diagnostics: Modern, automated facilities depend on alarm systems to alert technicians to problems. Industries thus rely on technicians who manage and diagnose alarms.
• Robotics: Knowing robotics can move an automation technician into higher-demand roles with better compensation.

Other Factors That Affect Automation Technician Salaries

How much you make as an automation technician will depend on where you're working, how much training you have, and your scheduling flexibility. In areas where automation technicians are in high demand, you'll make more money. Living near an automotive manufacturing region or energy hub ensures more opportunities and competitive salaries.

Get started by enrolling in a training program that teaches real-world skills and prepares you for an entry-level role. When you're ready to advance, seek training in advanced systems such as PLC programming to help ensure growth opportunities.

Is Automation Technician a Good Career?

The automation technician career is excellent for skilled individuals. These roles offer competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. Best of all, working adults can enter this career path through practical training available online.

How to Start a Career as an Automation Technician

Starting a career as an automation technician is easy when you partner with a training program that flexes to suit your needs. The best training programs for adults are designed for mid-career shifts and can be integrated into your normal life without taking you away from your existing responsibilities.

Once you've received a certificate from a reputable training program provider like George Brown Polytechnic, you'll be ready to pursue your career as an automation technician. To get started, contact George Brown Polytechnic about our Automation Technician Program at info@gbctechtraining.com or call our toll-free number at 1-888-553-5333.