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2026 Salary Data • Updated June 2026
Direct Market Data

Controls Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

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

Average Salary
$146,842
per year
Salary Range
$99,474 - $198,947
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
118
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$99,474$89,527 - $109,421
Mid Level
3-7 years$142,105$127,895 - $156,316
Senior Level
8+ years$198,947$179,052 - $218,842

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 Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a cost of living that is 18% higher than the global average. Average rent is approximately $2,800 per month. The purchasing power index is 91, indicating moderate local purchasing power.

Cost of Living Index
118
Purchasing Power
91
Average Rent
$2,800/mo

Major PLC Employers in Los Angeles

SpaceX

Northrop Grumman

Boeing

Lockheed Martin

Tesla

Dominant PLC Brands

The most commonly used PLC platforms in Los Angeles:

1
Allen-Bradley
2
Siemens
3
Mitsubishi

Preferred Certifications

Certifications valued by employers in Los Angeles:

Allen-Bradley
Siemens TIA Portal

Key Industry Sectors in Los Angeles

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

Aerospace
Automotive
Electronics
Entertainment

Compare with Similar Cities

Compare Controls Engineer salaries in Los Angeles with similar cities:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controls Engineer salary in Los Angeles?

The average Controls Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $146,842 per year. Entry-level positions start around $99,474, while senior professionals can earn $198,947 or more.

Which companies hire Controls Engineers in Los Angeles?

Major employers in Los Angeles include SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and many others. The Aerospace sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

What PLC brands are most common in Los Angeles?

The dominant PLC brands in Los Angeles are Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi. Having certifications in Allen-Bradley is particularly valuable for professionals in this market.

How does the cost of living affect salary in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a cost of living that is 18% higher than the global average. Average rent is approximately $2,800 per month. The purchasing power index is 91, indicating moderate local purchasing power. This cost of living adjustment is reflected in the salary ranges shown above.

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