Industrial automation technicians install, program, and maintain the automated systems that run modern factories — PLCs, sensors, motors, robots, and control panels. As manufacturers automate, these mechatronics skills are among the most in-demand and future-proof in the trades.
Supporting automated equipment and learning controls. $20–$25/hr.
Programming PLCs and troubleshooting systems independently. $28–$35/hr.
Leading integration and complex diagnostics. $35–$45/hr.
Designing and commissioning automated systems.
Your skills and interests may align with more than one trade. Compare before committing.
Our Salary Compare tool shows Industrial Automation Technician wages at every experience level — and compares them against other trades and a 4-year degree path.
Compare Industrial Automation Technician Salaries →Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one. There is no national list of open seats — programs recruit on their own schedules. The way in is to find the programs near you and ask when they take applications.
Find programs near you → Browse Trade SchoolsThe DOL Partner Finder lists registered apprenticeship sponsors — employers and organizations that run programs. Search Automation Technician and your state, then call the ones near you and ask when they accept applications. Some open once a year.y or ZIP to see what's open near you.