Industrial automation is one of the fastest-growing technical fields in Canada. As factories adopt robotics, PLCs, and automated production systems, demand for skilled automation professionals continues to rise.
This guide breaks down 2026 salary ranges for PLC programmers, controls engineers, robot programmers, and automation technicians in Canada.
PLC programmers design and maintain the programmable logic controllers that run automated manufacturing equipment.
These figures vary depending on experience, industry, and location.
Hourly wages for PLC programmers average about $41 per hour across Canada.
| Experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $55k – $70k |
| Mid career (3-7 years) | $70k – $90k |
| Senior PLC programmer | $90k – $110k+ |
Highly experienced automation specialists may earn $130k–$160k+ in senior roles or consulting positions.
Controls engineers design the electrical and software systems that control automated production lines.
Controls engineers in Canada earn roughly $88k annually on average.
Some senior controls engineers working in robotics or automotive manufacturing can exceed $120k–$150k depending on experience and travel requirements.
Robot programmers configure and optimize industrial robots used in manufacturing and logistics.
Robotics programmers and technicians typically earn about $71,855 annually in Canada, with experienced professionals approaching six-figure salaries.
Industries with the highest robot programmer pay include:
Automation technicians are hands-on specialists who troubleshoot PLCs, sensors, robots, and control systems on the plant floor.
Estimates vary by dataset, but the national average ranges around $52,650–$70,316 annually depending on experience and employer.
In Ontario specifically, automation technicians typically earn $23–$52 per hour depending on experience and region.
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Automation Technician | $52k – $70k |
| Robot Programmer | ~$72k |
| PLC Programmer | ~$71k |
| Controls Engineer | ~$88k |
| Senior Automation Engineer | $100k – $150k+ |
Automation engineering roles typically pay more due to higher education requirements and system design responsibilities.
Automation jobs are concentrated around major manufacturing hubs:
Automotive manufacturing and robotics integration companies drive demand in these regions.
The industries hiring the most automation talent include:
Yes. Industrial automation careers offer:
As factories adopt robotics and smart manufacturing technologies, demand for PLC programmers and controls engineers continues to grow.
You can browse current openings for:
right here:
👉 FactoryAutomationJobs.com
PLC programmers in Canada typically earn between $59,000 and $99,000 per year depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level PLC programmers usually start around $55,000 to $70,000, while experienced programmers and specialists can earn over $100,000 annually.
Controls engineers in Canada earn an average salary of about $85,000 to $95,000 per year. Mid-career engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $110,000, while senior controls engineers or specialists working in robotics or automotive manufacturing can earn $120,000 or more.
Automation technicians in Canada typically earn between $52,000 and $70,000 per year. Experienced technicians working in large manufacturing facilities or specialized automation roles can earn $80,000 to $100,000 depending on their skills and certifications.
Yes. Demand for automation engineers, PLC programmers, and robotics specialists continues to grow across Canada. Manufacturing companies are investing heavily in robotics, smart factories, and automated production systems, creating strong demand for skilled automation professionals.
The industries hiring the most automation professionals include automotive manufacturing, food and beverage processing, packaging machinery, warehouse automation, robotics integration companies, and industrial equipment manufacturers.
Automation professionals can increase their earning potential by developing skills in PLC programming, industrial robotics, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and machine vision. Experience commissioning large automation systems and working with robotics platforms like FANUC or ABB can also lead to higher salaries.
The highest concentration of automation jobs in Canada is found in Ontario and Quebec. Major hubs include Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Windsor, London, Montreal, and Calgary, where manufacturing and robotics companies are concentrated.