Controls Electrician Jobs

Controls Electrician Jobs

Controls electrician jobs focus on the installation, wiring, programming, and troubleshooting of automated control systems including PLCs, HMIs, motor control centers, and instrumentation. These roles sit at the intersection of traditional electrical work and automation technology, and they command some of the highest wages in the electrical trade. Controls electricians work across industrial manufacturing, process facilities, and increasingly in commercial building automation.

Quick Facts

Typical Salary Range: $72,000 – $110,000 per year; PLC programmers with panel building experience often earn more Key Platforms: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Schneider, Beckhoff Key Skills: PLC programming (ladder logic, function block), HMI development, VFD configuration, instrumentation calibration Job Outlook: Strong; industrial automation investment is accelerating across manufacturing sectors Common Employers: System integrators, industrial manufacturers, EPC contractors, OEM equipment builders

Why Demand Is Strong

Automation investment across manufacturing is accelerating as companies address labor shortages and pursue productivity improvements. This is directly driving demand for controls electricians who can both wire and program automated systems. The shortage of qualified controls technicians has been a persistent constraint for industrial facilities, and compensation has risen accordingly. Controls electricians who hold a journeyman license in addition to PLC programming skills are particularly difficult to recruit.

What Employers Are Looking For

Controls electrician roles typically require journeyman electrical experience combined with demonstrated PLC programming ability. Familiarity with at least one major automation platform, most commonly Allen-Bradley or Siemens, is expected. Panel building experience including reading and interpreting electrical schematics is essential. Many employers value experience with SCADA systems, industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP or Profibus, and instrumentation calibration. OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E are commonly required.

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