Are control engineers in demand?

Yes, control engineers are in demand. Between 2018 and 2028, the expected career growth is 2%, with 8,000 job opportunities across the United States. Factors like location, company, and experience can determine job growth and salary. Some top-paying industries have to do with automotive, technology, and manufacturing, offering average wages above $77,000. Some of the top-paying companies are Valero Energy and Chevron, offering an average salary of $126,000.

Can everyone become an engineer?

No, not everyone can become an engineer. It takes time, dedication and a bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program at a college or university. After graduating, you can get licensed to work as a Professional Engineer.

How much do control engineers make?

Control engineers make about $76,000 yearly or $36.60 hourly. As most jobs go, factors like location, industry, and experience can determine your exact salary. On the lower end of the salary range, you may make around $59,000, typically for entry-level positions and working in low-paying states like Nebraska and Wisconsin. You can earn around close to six figures on the higher end, making more than $97,000, typically for senior-level positions. Some of the top-paying states are California, with an average salary of $105,431, and Texas, $92,310. Some top-paying industries have to do with automotive, technology, and manufacturing, offering average wages above $77,000.

Is control engineering hard?

Yes, control engineering is hard. This challenge is due to the necessary information and knowledge to perform your tasks. To start, most control engineers major in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering technology. You will take a range of typically difficult classes to do with mathematics and physics.

What degree do I need to be a controls engineer?

The degree you need to be a controls engineer is typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering technology. Although an associate's degree may suffice, you may need more years of relevant work experience to compensate for the lack of a bachelor's degree. Additionally, you may also be required to have certifications and licensure, which can ask for a four-year degree.

What is a controls engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Fred Garber Ph.D.

Controls engineers design, develop, and implement control systems for various applications, such as manufacturing processes, robotics, and energy production. They use software to program, test, and troubleshoot systems, while working with other engineers to ensure that systems meet the project requirements. They may also conduct research to improve existing systems and technologies. A controls engineer typically holds a degree in electrical engineering or related field, and has strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

What general advice would you give to a Controls Engineer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.

ScoreControls EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,532

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 14.46%

Black or African American 4.79%

Hispanic or Latino 11.09%

Unknown 4.70%

White 64.77%

Gender

female 9.25%

male 90.75%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.2

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Controls Engineer?

Pros

High demand for controls engineers in various industries
Challenging and intellectually stimulating work
Opportunity to work with new technologies and equipment
Chance to work with a team and collaborate on projects
Contribution to society by improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability of systems

Cons

High stress due to tight deadlines and high stakes projects
Need for continuous learning and keeping up with new technologies
High responsibility for safety and reliability of systems
Need to work under strict regulations and standards
Potential for exposure to hazardous materials or environments

Key steps to become a controls engineer

Explore controls engineer education requirements

Most common controls engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.8 %

Associate

15.6 %

Master's

12.6 %

Start to develop specific controls engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
C++	7.56%
Troubleshoot	5.55%
UL	4.74%
Hmi Programming	4.39%
MATLAB	4.26%

Complete relevant controls engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New controls engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a controls engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real controls engineer resumes.

Research controls engineer duties and responsibilities

Lead team to upgrade new syringe lines to current OSHA and NFPA safety standards.
Lead a team of 12 programmers to validate a common library of 70 DeltaV modules.
Promote to manage the advanced process control (APC) program, responsible for the generation of $30MM per year.
Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.

Prepare your controls engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your controls engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a controls engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Controls Engineer Resume templates

Build a professional Controls Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Controls Engineer resume.

Apply for controls engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a controls engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do controls engineers rate their job?

4/5

Out of 1 Controls Engineer reviews, 100% were positive.

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Based On 1 Ratings

Career Growth

2.0

Pay / Salary

4.0

Work/Life Balance

3.0

Overall Rating

4.0

Controls Engineer reviews

4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2024

Pros

Always new technology, sometimes robots.

Cons

Travel, customers, endless change requests

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023

Pros

continuous learning

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020

Pros

To Install And Maintain Mostly In Building And Industrial Installation.

Cons

Repair, And Any Over Head Installation

What is a controls engineer and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Controls Engineer?

What are the pros and cons of being a Controls Engineer?

Controls Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a controls engineer

Explore controls engineer education requirements

Most common controls engineer degrees

Start to develop specific controls engineer skills

Complete relevant controls engineer training and internships

Research controls engineer duties and responsibilities

Prepare your controls engineer resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Controls Engineer Resume templates

Apply for controls engineer jobs

How Did You Land Your First Controls Engineer Job

Average controls engineer salary

How do controls engineers rate their job?

Controls Engineer reviews

Controls Engineer FAQs

Are control engineers in demand?

Can everyone become an engineer?

How much do control engineers make?

Is control engineering hard?

What degree do I need to be a controls engineer?

Search for controls engineer jobs

Controls Engineer jobs by state