Control engineering is a specialised field that designs, develops, and implements control systems in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and robotics. 

The role of a control engineer is to create and maintain control systems that regulate the behaviour of complex systems, such as aircraft, robots, or manufacturing processes, ensuring that they function safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Control engineering is a highly sought-after career path with significant potential for career growth and earning potential. 

This article will explore the salary range for control engineers, the factors that affect their pay, and the opportunities for career advancement in this field.

Control Engineer Salary: An Overview

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for electrical and electronics engineers, which includes control engineers, was $103,390 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 per cent earned less than $64,320, and the highest 10 per cent earned more than $166,620.

However, it's worth noting that the salary range for control engineers can vary significantly based on factors such as education, experience, industry, location, and job responsibilities. 

For example, control engineers working in the aerospace industry tend to earn higher salaries than those working in the manufacturing industry.

Factors That Affect Control Engineer Salaries

Education and Experience

Like most engineering professions, control engineers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering. However, those with advanced degrees such as a Master's or PhD in control engineering, systems engineering, or a related field may command higher salaries.

 Control Engineer Salary by Education Level

Education Level	Salary Range (per year)
Bachelor's	$60,000 - $100,000
Master's	$75,000 - $130,000
PhD	$100,000 - $160,000

Experience is also crucial in determining the salary range for control engineers. Control engineers with several years of experience will earn more than entry-level engineers. 

Additionally, engineers who have worked on high-profile projects or have experience working in a niche industry may make more than their peers.

Industry and Employer

The industry and employer can also significantly impact a control engineer's salary. Control engineers in aerospace, defence, and oil and gas tend to earn higher salaries than those in the manufacturing or service industries.

Similarly, control engineers working for large corporations may earn higher salaries than those working for small businesses or startups. 

The size of the company, its financial stability, and reputation in the industry can all influence the salary range for control engineers.

Control Engineer Salary by Industry

Industry	Salary Range (per year)
Aerospace	$90,000 - $160,000
Defence	$85,000 - $145,000
Manufacturing	$65,000 - $120,000
Robotics	$80,000 - $135,000
Oil and Gas	$95,000 - $170,000

Location

The location of the job is another critical factor that affects a control engineer's salary. Salaries for control engineers can vary significantly depending on the cost of living in a particular region. 

For example, control engineers working in cities such as San Francisco or New York, where the cost of living is high, are likely to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller, less expensive cities.

Control Engineer Salary by Location

Location	Salary Range (per year)
San Francisco	$100,000 - $190,000
New York City	$95,000 - $175,000
Houston	$85,000 - $150,000
Chicago	$75,000 - $135,000
Dallas	$70,000 - $125,000

Job Responsibilities

The specific job responsibilities of a control engineer can also impact their salary. Engineers who take on leadership roles or have significant project management responsibilities will likely earn higher salaries than those who focus solely on technical work. 

Additionally, control engineers with specialised skills, such as expertise in software or technology, may command higher salaries.

Control Engineer Salary by Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities	Salary Range (per year)
Technical Control Engineer	$65,000 - $120,000
Lead Control Engineer	$90,000 - $160,000
Project Manager	$110,000 - $185,000
Control Systems Expert	$100,000 - $175,000

Career Growth Opportunities for Control Engineers

Control engineering is a dynamic field with many opportunities for career advancement. Control engineers can progress from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as lead engineers or project managers.

Additionally, control engineers can transition into related fields, such as systems engineering or software development.

Continuing education is also crucial for control engineers looking to advance their careers. Pursuing advanced degrees or obtaining professional certifications, such as the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or the Professional Engineer (PE) license, can help control engineers stand out in a competitive job market and increase their earning potential.

Control engineering is a challenging and rewarding career path with significant earning potential. Salaries for control engineers can vary significantly based

on factors such as education, experience, industry, location, and job responsibilities. Those working in industries such as aerospace and defence, with specialised skills or significant project management responsibilities, are likely to earn higher salaries.

Control engineers have many opportunities for career advancement, including moving into leadership positions or transitioning into related fields. 

Pursuing advanced degrees or obtaining professional certifications can help control engineers increase their earning potential and stand out in a competitive job market.

Control engineering is a highly sought-after profession with significant potential for career growth and earning potential. 

If you have a passion for designing, developing, and implementing control systems and enjoy solving complex problems, then a career in control engineering may be the perfect fit for you.

FAQs

What is the average salary for a control engineer in the United States?

According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a control engineer in the United States is around $87,000 per year.

What factors affect a control engineer's salary?

A control engineer's salary can be affected by factors such as education level, industry, location, experience, and job responsibilities.

How can I increase my earning potential as a control engineer?

To increase your earning potential as a control engineer, you can pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications, develop specialised skills, or seek leadership or management roles.

What industries typically offer higher salaries for control engineers?

Industries such as aerospace, defence, and oil and gas typically offer higher salaries for control engineers due to the specialised skills and complex projects involved.

Is control engineering a lucrative career path?

Control engineering can be a lucrative career path, with ample opportunities for career growth and competitive salaries. However, earning potential can vary widely based on education, experience, and industry.