2025 Salary Data • Updated November 2025

Controls Engineer Salary in Texas

Designs, develops, and manages automated control systems for industrial processes.

Average Salary
$92,225
per year
Salary Range
$62,475 - $124,950
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
95%
vs National Average
Experience Level
All
Category
Engineering
Region
Southwest
Job Market
Strong

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Experience LevelYears of ExperienceAverage SalarySalary Range
Entry Level
0-2 years$62,475$56,228 - $68,723
Mid Level
3-7 years$89,250$80,325 - $98,175
Senior Level
8+ years$124,950$112,455 - $137,445

Salary data based on Industry surveys and market analysis. Actual salaries may vary based on company size, specific skills, certifications, and individual negotiation.

Working in Texas

Top Industries

  • Oil & Gas
  • Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Chemicals

Major Cities

HoustonDallasAustinSan Antonio

Cost of Living Adjustment

Texas has a cost of living index of 0.95compared to the national average. Salaries in this state are typically adjusted by a factor of 1.05x to maintain purchasing power relative to local costs.

Required Skills & Expertise

RequiredEssential Skills

Ladder Logic Programming

Programming Language

Core PLC programming language using ladder diagrams

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation

PLC Platform

Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000 software

HMI Design

Software Tool

Human-Machine Interface design and programming

Troubleshooting & Debugging

Technical Skill

Ability to diagnose and resolve PLC and control system issues

Electrical Schematics Reading

Technical Skill

Understanding electrical diagrams and control panel layouts

Communication Skills

Soft Skill

Ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences

PreferredAdditional Skills

Siemens PLC (S7, TIA Portal)

PLC Platform

Programming Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal

SCADA Systems

Software Tool

Experience with SCADA systems like Wonderware or Ignition

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Recommended Certifications

These certifications can help advance your Controls Engineer career and increase earning potential:

CIP Associate Certificate

Beginner
Provider: ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association)

Entry-level certification for Common Industrial Protocol networking

1-2 months
$300

Rockwell Automation Certified Professional

Intermediate
Provider: Rockwell Automation

Professional certification for Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000

3-6 months
$500
Renewal Required

Siemens Certified Programmer

Intermediate
Provider: Siemens

Certification for Siemens PLC programming using TIA Portal

3-6 months
$450
Renewal Required

Professional Engineer (PE) License

Advanced
Provider: State Licensing Boards

State-issued professional engineering license

4+ years experience required
$1,200
Renewal Required

Career Advancement Paths

Common career progression paths from Controls Engineer:

Controls Engineer
2-4 years
SCADA Engineer

Required Skills:

  • SCADA Software
  • Networking
  • Database Management

Recommended Certifications:

  • SCADA Specialist Certifications
Potential Salary Increase: +$8,000/year

Industry Demand & Job Market

Current demand levels for Controls Engineer across various industries:

Manufacturing

Very High Demand+8.5%

Strong demand for automation across all manufacturing sectors

Automotive

High Demand+7.2%

EV transition driving need for new automation systems

Food & Beverage

High Demand+6.8%

Increasing automation for quality control and efficiency

Pharmaceuticals

Very High Demand+9.1%

Strict compliance requirements driving automation investment

Energy & Utilities

Medium Demand+5.5%

Steady demand for control system maintenance and upgrades

Related Career Paths in Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controls Engineer salary in Texas?

The average Controls Engineer salary in Texas is $92,225 per year. Entry-level positions start around $62,475, while senior professionals can earn $124,950 or more depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry.

What skills are required for a Controls Engineer?

Key skills for a Controls Engineer include Ladder Logic Programming, Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation, HMI Design, and Troubleshooting & Debugging. Preferred skills that can enhance your career prospects include Siemens PLC (S7, TIA Portal) and SCADA Systems.

What certifications help advance a Controls Engineer career?

Valuable certifications include CIP Associate Certificate, Rockwell Automation Certified Professional, Siemens Certified Programmer. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional development, often leading to higher salaries and better career opportunities. Many employers in Texas prefer or require these certifications.

How does the cost of living in Texas affect salary?

Texas has a cost of living index of 0.95 compared to the national average. Salaries in Texas are typically adjusted higher(by a factor of 1.05x) to account for local living costs, including housing, transportation, and other expenses.

Which industries in Texas have the highest demand for Controls Engineers?

The top industries in Texas for Controls Engineer positions include Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Energy, Chemicals. Major employment hubs are located in Houston and Dallas, where many companies are actively hiring for automation and control systems roles.

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