Automation Engineer Salary: Complete Guide to Earnings, Benefits & Career Path
How Much Does an Automation Engineer Earn?
Let’s cut to the chase the average automation engineer salary in the U.S. in 2025 is between $78,000 to $124,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. For someone just starting out, you might make around $65,000, while seasoned pros can rake in over $140,000+ annually.
Automation engineers are the silent heroes behind tech efficiency whether it’s automating manufacturing processes, running code through CI/CD pipelines, or managing robotic workflows. This high-value role demands a smart salary, and rightfully so.
Table of Contents
What Is an Automation Engineer?
Key Responsibilities
An automation engineer designs, programs, simulates, and tests automated machinery and processes. Depending on the industry, tasks may include:
- Writing test scripts
- Designing control systems
- Integrating sensors and robotics
- Optimizing efficiency and safety
Skills Required
- Strong programming skills (Python, Java, etc.)
- Familiarity with PLCs and SCADA systems
- Knowledge of QA testing frameworks
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
Average Automation Engineer Salary in 2025
National Averages in the U.S.
The current national average sits at approximately $101,000/year, but this can swing based on role complexity.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-level (0–2 years): $65,000–$78,000
- Mid-level (3–7 years): $90,000–$110,000
- Senior (8+ years): $115,000–$145,000+
Salary Comparison by Industry
Manufacturing
Manufacturing automation engineers usually earn between $75,000 to $105,000. The role is hands-on and often site-based.
Software & IT
In tech companies, especially in DevOps and QA automation, salaries can soar up to $130,000 with the right skills.
Robotics & AI
This cutting-edge field pays exceptionally well expect salaries between $110,000 and $150,000, especially if working with machine learning integration.
Geographic Salary Trends
High-Paying States and Cities
- California (Bay Area): $120,000 – $145,000
- New York City: $110,000 – $135,000
- Texas (Austin): $95,000 – $120,000
Global Salary Insights
- UK: £45,000 – £75,000
- Canada: CAD 75,000 – 110,000
- India: ₹7 LPA – ₹25 LPA
Entry-Level Automation Engineer Salary
What Beginners Can Expect
Fresh grads typically start around $65,000. However, a well-placed internship or relevant certification can bump that up quickly.
Internships and Fresh Graduate Packages
Interns usually receive $20–$30/hour, and some companies offer signing bonuses post-internship conversion.
Mid-Level and Senior Automation Engineer Salary
3–5 Years Experience
Salaries range between $90,000 to $110,000, with some getting performance bonuses and equity in startups.
10+ Years and Leadership Roles
Senior engineers or those leading automation teams earn $130,000–$160,000 or more, especially in Fortune 500 companies.
Freelance and Remote Automation Engineer Opportunities
Freelancing Income Potential
Freelance automation engineers can charge $60–$150/hour, especially with rare skills or niche certifications.
Remote Job Salary Range
Remote roles in global companies often match or exceed U.S. salaries, ranging from $90,000 to $135,000.
Factors Influencing Automation Engineer Salary
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required baseline.
- Master’s or PhD: Adds $10,000–$20,000 to your annual salary.
Certifications
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- CSWA (SolidWorks)
- AWS DevOps certifications
These can boost your pay significantly.
Location
Big cities and tech hubs always offer more, but also come with a higher cost of living.
Company Size
Startups may offer equity, while large corporations provide stability and bonuses.
Benefits Beyond the Salary
Health Insurance, Bonuses, and Stock Options
Most full-time roles offer:
- 401(k) with matching
- Stock grants
- Year-end bonuses up to 20%
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Remote work, hybrid schedules, and unlimited PTO policies are becoming the norm.
How to Increase Your Salary as an Automation Engineer
Upskilling and Certifications
Keep learning Python, Docker, Kubernetes, machine learning every added skill increases your value.
Switching Industries or Companies
Changing companies often brings a 10–20% salary hike, especially with niche expertise.
Career Growth and Future Outlook
Projected Demand and Job Stability
Automation is the future. With businesses increasingly relying on automated processes, job demand is expected to grow by 15%+ over the next decade.
Potential for Management Roles
Automation engineers often transition into:
- Project Managers
- Tech Leads
- Engineering Directors
These positions bring in $150,000+ salaries.
Real-Life Salary Examples
What Engineers Say About Their Earnings
According to Glassdoor and Indeed, many engineers report six-figure salaries by year five.
Survey and Report Insights
- IEEE 2024 report: Median automation engineer salary was $108,000
- Dice Tech Salary Report: Automation is in top 10 highest-paid tech skills
Is Automation Engineering a Good Career Financially?
ROI on Education
With a bachelor’s degree investment of around $40K–$100K, the payback period is short—often just 2–3 years.
Lifetime Earning Potential
Over a 30-year career, automation engineers can easily earn $3M to $5M, not including stock and bonuses.
Conclusion
Automation engineering isn’t just another tech job it’s a high-paying, high-demand, and future-proof career. With salaries scaling from $65K to over $150K, and additional perks like remote flexibility and growth potential, it’s one of the most rewarding paths in the engineering field today. If you’re eyeing a career in automation, now’s the time to dive in and start building the skills that pay the bills.
FAQs
What is the starting salary for an automation engineer?
Around $65,000/year in the U.S., depending on location and education.
Do automation engineers make more than software engineers?
Sometimes, especially in robotics or AI-heavy roles. However, high-end software engineers can still out-earn them in some sectors.
What industries pay the most to automation engineers?
Robotics, AI, and tech startups tend to offer the highest salaries.
How does certification affect salary?
Certifications like CAP or DevOps credentials can increase salary by 10–20%.
Is automation engineering a stable career?
Absolutely. Automation is growing rapidly, making this career path highly secure and future-ready.
