If you’re an electrician working in industrial or construction environments, there’s a good chance you’re leaving serious money on the table.
Not because you’re not working hard.
Not because you picked the wrong trade.
But because you’re missing one skill that changes everything:
Why Electricians Hit a Ceiling (And Don’t Realize It)
Most electricians follow a predictable path:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Maybe foreman
And then… it kind of stops.
Yes, you can make good money. But your income becomes tied to:
- Hours worked
- Overtime
- Physical presence
Meanwhile, something else is happening inside every modern factory:
Automation is taking over.
And the people who understand it?
They’re getting paid a lot more.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A typical electrician path starts modestly:
- Apprentices often earn $20–$34/hour early on
But once you move into automation:
- PLC programmers in Canada average around $115,000/year
- In high-demand markets like Toronto, that climbs to $110K–$150K+
- Even hourly averages push $40+/hour and beyond
That’s your $20K+ jump right there.
And that gap only widens with experience.
What Is a PLC (And Why It Pays So Well)
A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is basically the brain of a machine.
It controls:
- Conveyor systems
- Robots
- Assembly lines
- Packaging systems
- Entire production plants
These systems don’t run themselves.
They need people who can:
- Troubleshoot logic
- Modify programs
- Commission new equipment
- Keep production running
That person is you — if you learn it.
Why Electricians Have a Massive Advantage
Here’s the part most people miss:
Electricians are perfectly positioned to transition into PLC work.
You already understand:
- Electrical systems
- Inputs and outputs
- Sensors, relays, motors
- How machines actually behave
PLC programming just adds logic on top of what you already know.
That’s why companies love hiring electricians who can program.
Because they’re rare.
The Real Career Ladder (That Nobody Explains)
Here’s what your career could actually look like:
- Electrician
- Industrial Maintenance Electrician
- PLC Troubleshooter
- Controls Technician
- Automation Specialist / PLC Programmer
- Controls Engineer / Lead
Every step up:
- Less physical work
- More problem-solving
- Higher pay
- More leverage
Want to compare real roles? Start here: browse PLC programmer jobs.
Why This Skill Is Exploding Right Now
Factories across Canada and the U.S. are investing heavily in:
- Robotics
- Automated production lines
- Smart manufacturing
PLC technicians and programmers are needed everywhere:
- Automotive plants
- Food & beverage
- Packaging
- Energy
- Warehousing
These systems rely on PLCs to function, monitor, and optimize production.
And here’s the key:
There are not enough people who can do this work.
How to Start (Without Going Back to School)
You don’t need a degree.
Here’s the fastest path:
- Learn ladder logic (foundation of PLCs)
- Get familiar with platforms:
- Allen-Bradley (Rockwell)
- Siemens
- Start using PLCs for troubleshooting at your current job
- Volunteer for automation-related tasks
- Transition into a maintenance or controls role
This is exactly how most people break in.
The Bottom Line
If you’re an electrician and not learning PLCs:
- You’re competing in a crowded market
- Instead of stepping into a scarce one
The difference?
- $20,000+ per year
- Better jobs
- More interesting work
- Real long-term security
Want to See These Jobs?
If you’re serious about making the jump, start by looking at real roles:
- Controls Technician
- PLC Programmer
- Automation Specialist
(And yes — these are exactly the kinds of roles we post here.)
Ready to see what’s out there? View current PLC, controls, and automation jobs here: browse automation jobs now.
FAQ
Can electricians learn PLC programming?
Yes. Electricians are well positioned to learn PLC programming because they already understand electrical systems, inputs and outputs, sensors, relays, motors, and how machines behave.
Do you need a degree to become a PLC programmer?
No. Many people break into PLC work by learning ladder logic, getting familiar with platforms like Allen-Bradley and Siemens, and taking on automation-related tasks at work.
What jobs can electricians move into after learning PLCs?
Electricians who learn PLCs can move into roles such as Industrial Maintenance Electrician, PLC Troubleshooter, Controls Technician, Automation Specialist, PLC Programmer, and Controls Engineer.