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2026 Salary Data • Updated June 2026
Direct Market Data

Controls Engineer Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte has high demand for Controls Engineer positions, driven by its high automation industry presence. The city's Manufacturing sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

Average Salary
$104,265
per year
Salary Range
$70,631 - $141,262
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
92
vs Global Average (100)
Job Demand
high
Industry Strength
high
Currency
USD
Data Quality
high

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Experience LevelYears of ExperienceAverage Salary (USD)Salary Range (USD)
Entry Level
0-2 years$70,631$63,568 - $77,694
Mid Level
3-7 years$100,901$90,811 - $110,991
Senior Level
8+ years$141,262$127,136 - $155,388

Salary data is based on actual market surveys and job postings from this city. Sources: Calculated from national average with regional adjustments.

Cost of Living in Charlotte

Charlotte has a cost of living that is 8% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,450 per month. The purchasing power index is 108, indicating strong local purchasing power.

Cost of Living Index
92
Purchasing Power
108
Average Rent
$1,450/mo

Major PLC Employers in Charlotte

Siemens Energy

Nucor

Carlisle Companies

Sealed Air

SPX Corporation

Dominant PLC Brands

The most commonly used PLC platforms in Charlotte:

1
Allen-Bradley
2
Siemens
3
Schneider Electric
4
GE

Preferred Certifications

Certifications valued by employers in Charlotte:

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
Siemens TIA Portal
Schneider Electric

Key Industry Sectors in Charlotte

Charlotte has a strong presence in the following industrial sectors that utilize PLC programming and automation:

Manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals
Food Processing
Automotive
Textiles

Compare with Similar Cities

Compare Controls Engineer salaries in Charlotte with similar cities:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controls Engineer salary in Charlotte?

The average Controls Engineer salary in Charlotte is $104,265 per year. Entry-level positions start around $70,631, while senior professionals can earn $141,262 or more.

Which companies hire Controls Engineers in Charlotte?

Major employers in Charlotte include Siemens Energy, Nucor, Carlisle Companies, and many others. The Manufacturing sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

What PLC brands are most common in Charlotte?

The dominant PLC brands in Charlotte are Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric. Having certifications in Allen-Bradley is particularly valuable for professionals in this market.

How does the cost of living affect salary in Charlotte?

Charlotte has a cost of living that is 8% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,450 per month. The purchasing power index is 108, indicating strong local purchasing power. This cost of living adjustment is reflected in the salary ranges shown above.

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