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Modeled Salary Estimate • Reference period November 2025
Modeled Estimate

Controls Engineer Salary Estimate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

Modeled Average
$111,887
per year
Modeled Range
$75,794 - $151,589
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
95
vs Global Average (100)
Job Demand
high
Industry Strength
high
Currency
USD
Data Quality
low

Modeled Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Experience LevelYears of ExperienceModeled Salary (USD)Modeled Range (USD)
Entry Level
0-2 years$75,794$75,794
Mid Level
3-7 years$108,278$108,278
Senior Level
8+ years$151,589$151,589

This is a modeled estimate from a USD benchmark with local adjustments, not a direct local-market observation.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has a cost of living that is 5% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,600 per month. The purchasing power index is 103, indicating strong local purchasing power.

Cost of Living Index
95
Purchasing Power
103
Average Rent
$1,600/mo

Major PLC Employers in Philadelphia

Johnson & Johnson

GlaxoSmithKline

AstraZeneca

Siemens Healthineers

Dominant PLC Brands

The most commonly used PLC platforms in Philadelphia:

1
Siemens
2
Allen-Bradley
3
Schneider Electric

Preferred Certifications

Certifications valued by employers in Philadelphia:

Siemens TIA Portal
Allen-Bradley

Key Industry Sectors in Philadelphia

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

Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices
Food Processing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Controls Engineer wage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Our modeled estimate for a Controls Engineer in Philadelphia is $111,887 per year. The model places entry-level compensation around $75,794 and senior compensation around $151,589. Actual offers vary by employer, experience, and benefits.

Which companies hire Controls Engineers in Philadelphia?

Major employers in Philadelphia include Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and many others. The Pharmaceuticals sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

What PLC brands are most common in Philadelphia?

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

How does the cost of living affect salary in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a cost of living that is 5% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,600 per month. The purchasing power index is 103, indicating strong local purchasing power. This cost-of-living input is used by the page’s salary model.

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