Automation Technician

Career Guide

An Automation Technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots automated equipment used in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and building systems. The role focuses on keeping machines and control systems running safely, reducing downtime, and improving reliability.

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Key Responsibilities

Install and wire automation equipment and control panels
Perform preventive maintenance on sensors, motors, and control hardware
Troubleshoot equipment faults and restore operations quickly
Calibrate instruments and verify system performance
Support startup and commissioning of new equipment
Update basic control settings under engineering guidance
Document maintenance work, parts used, and recurring issues
Follow safety procedures, including lockout tagout practices
Coordinate with operators, engineers, and maintenance teams
Recommend reliability improvements based on failure trends

Top Skills for Success

Troubleshooting

Electrical Fundamentals

Mechanical Aptitude

Safety Compliance

Preventive Maintenance

Electrical Wiring

Control Panel Assembly

Sensor Calibration

PLC Basics

Motor Drives

Industrial Networking

Technical Documentation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Maintenance Technician

Controls Technician

Field Service Technician

Transition Opportunities

Automation Specialist

Controls Engineer

Reliability Technician

Maintenance Supervisor

Robotics Technician

Commissioning Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

PLC TroubleshootingIndustrial NetworkingMotor Drives TuningRoot Cause AnalysisBasic Programming LogicDocumentation QualitySpare Parts Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable troubleshooting process, practice reading electrical schematics, and train on common PLC and drive platforms used by your target employers. Keep a simple portfolio of fixes, downtime reductions, and commissioning support to show measurable impact.

Market Intelligence Report

Automation Technician is part of the Equipment Repair category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Senior LevelUSD 80,000 to 105,000

Growth Trend

Demand is steady to rising as factories, warehouses, and utilities expand automation and prioritize uptime. Hiring is strongest in manufacturing hubs and high volume logistics regions.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

SiemensABBRockwell AutomationSchneider ElectricHoneywellJohnson ControlsAmazonTeslaBoeingPepsiCo

Industry Sectors

ManufacturingWarehousing and LogisticsFood and BeveragePharmaceuticalsAutomotiveAerospaceEnergy and UtilitiesBuilding SystemsWater and WastewaterIndustrial Services

Recommended Next Steps

Refresh electrical safety knowledge and lockout tagout practices

Practice reading electrical schematics and panel layouts weekly

Complete a short PLC basics course and a PLC troubleshooting lab

Learn one industrial networking standard commonly used in your area

Create a maintenance log template that captures symptoms, cause, fix, and time saved

Shadow commissioning work on a new line or equipment upgrade

Prepare a resume section that lists equipment types supported and uptime improvements

Join a local technical group focused on automation and maintenance careers