2026 PLC Programmer Salary Guide Canada
Salaries by Province, Experience Level, and Industry
Industrial automation is one of the fastest-growing skilled professions in Canada. As manufacturing, robotics, and automated logistics continue to expand, PLC programmers are increasingly in demand across the country.
In this guide we break down PLC programmer salaries in Canada for 2026, including:
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Entry level PLC programmer salary
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Mid-career automation programmer salary
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Senior controls engineer compensation
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Salaries by province
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Key industries hiring automation professionals
This data is compiled from job postings, recruiter data, and industry reports across Canada.
Average PLC Programmer Salary in Canada (2026)
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $90,000 | $80,000 – $105,000 |
| Senior (8–15 yrs) | $115,000 | $100,000 – $135,000 |
| Lead / Specialist | $135,000+ | $120,000 – $160,000 |
Senior automation specialists with strong experience in robotics integration, SCADA systems, and industrial networking can earn significantly more, particularly in automotive and logistics automation.
PLC Programmer Salary by Province
| Province | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Ontario | $98,000 |
| Alberta | $105,000 |
| British Columbia | $95,000 |
| Quebec | $90,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $92,000 |
| Manitoba | $88,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $85,000 |
Automation salaries tend to be highest in regions with strong manufacturing and energy industries, such as Ontario and Alberta.
PLC Programmer Salary by Industry
Certain industries consistently pay higher salaries due to project complexity and demand for specialized automation expertise.
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Automotive Manufacturing | $105,000 |
| Robotics & Systems Integration | $110,000 |
| Oil & Gas | $115,000 |
| Food & Beverage Manufacturing | $95,000 |
| Warehousing & Logistics Automation | $100,000 |
Many of the highest paying roles involve robot programming, system commissioning, and industrial networking integration.
PLC Programmer Salary by City
Major automation hubs in Canada include:
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $102,000 |
| Kitchener / Waterloo | $104,000 |
| Windsor | $98,000 |
| Calgary | $107,000 |
| Vancouver | $97,000 |
The Windsor–Waterloo corridor is one of Canada’s largest automation and robotics employment clusters due to its strong automotive manufacturing presence.
Example Salary Progression
Example career progression for a PLC programmer entering the field in Canada:
Year 1 – Junior PLC Programmer
Salary: $65,000
Year 5 – Automation Programmer
Salary: $92,000
Year 10 – Senior Controls Engineer
Salary: $120,000
Year 15 – Automation Specialist / Project Lead
Salary: $140,000+
Engineers with experience in robotics platforms such as Fanuc, ABB, or KUKA often command higher salaries.
Skills That Increase PLC Programmer Salaries
Automation professionals with the following skills typically earn higher compensation:
• Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC programming
• Siemens TIA Portal
• SCADA / HMI development
• Robotics programming (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA)
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet)
• System commissioning and startup
PLC Programmer Job Demand in Canada
Demand for industrial automation professionals continues to increase as companies automate manufacturing and logistics operations.
Industries actively hiring include:
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Automotive manufacturing
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Warehouse robotics
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Food production
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Energy and utilities
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Industrial equipment manufacturing
Many employers report difficulty finding qualified PLC programmers, which continues to push salaries higher.
Browse PLC Programmer Jobs in Canada
If you’re currently searching for automation roles, you can browse the latest openings here:
You can also explore jobs by location:
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PLC Programmer Jobs Toronto
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PLC Programmer Jobs Ontario
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Automation Technician Jobs Canada
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Controls Engineer Jobs Canada
FAQ
What is the average PLC programmer salary in Canada?
The average PLC programmer salary in Canada in 2026 is approximately $90,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and industry.
Which province pays PLC programmers the most?
Alberta and Ontario typically offer the highest salaries due to strong demand in energy, automotive manufacturing, and automation integration.
Do PLC programmers earn more with robotics experience?
Yes. Engineers with robotics programming experience (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA) often earn $10,000–$20,000 more per year.
Is PLC programming a good career in Canada?
Yes. Automation professionals are in high demand due to increasing industrial automation across manufacturing, logistics, and energy sectors.