Controls Engineer Salary in Canada (2026 Guide)
Controls engineers play a critical role in industrial automation. They design, program, and maintain the systems that control machines, robotics, and manufacturing processes.
As automation continues to expand across manufacturing industries in Canada, controls engineers are increasingly in demand. Their expertise in PLC programming, robotics integration, and industrial control systems makes them essential to modern production environments.
Because of this specialized skill set, controls engineers often earn strong salaries.
Average Controls Engineer Salary in Canada
The average controls engineer salary in Canada typically ranges between $85,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry.
Typical salary ranges include:
Mid-Level Controls Engineer: $90,000 – $110,000
Senior Controls Engineer: $115,000 – $150,000+
Experienced engineers working on large automation projects or robotics integration can earn even higher salaries.
Controls Engineer Salary by Experience
Entry Level (0–2 Years)
Entry-level controls engineers often work under senior engineers to support automation projects, troubleshoot PLC systems, and assist with commissioning industrial equipment.
Typical salary range:
Mid-Career (3–7 Years)
Mid-level controls engineers typically manage automation projects, develop PLC programs, and integrate industrial systems such as robotics and machine vision.
Typical salary range:
Senior Controls Engineer (8+ Years)
Senior controls engineers often lead large automation projects and design complex industrial systems.
Typical salary range:
Contract engineers working on industrial automation projects can earn significantly more depending on their specialization.
Industries Hiring Controls Engineers
Controls engineers are employed across a wide range of industries where automation is used.
Examples include:
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Automotive manufacturing
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Robotics integration companies
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Packaging automation
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Food processing plants
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Energy and utilities
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Pharmaceutical manufacturing
These industries rely on automation engineers to maintain efficient production systems.
Cities with Strong Demand for Controls Engineers
Controls engineering jobs are concentrated in Canada’s major manufacturing regions.
Examples include:
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Toronto
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Windsor
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London, Ontario
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Kitchener-Waterloo
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Hamilton
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Cambridge
These cities host many manufacturing companies and automation integrators.
Browse Controls Engineer Jobs
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