Learn PLCs free
2026 Salary Data • Updated June 2026
Direct Market Data

PLC Programmer Salary in San Jose, California

San Jose has very high demand for PLC Programmer positions, driven by its very high automation industry presence. The city's Semiconductor sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals, and San Jose is recognized as a major technology and automation hub.

Average Salary
$182,058
per year
Salary Range
$123,330 - $246,659
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
124
vs Global Average (100)
Job Demand
very high
Industry Strength
very 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$123,330$110,997 - $135,663
Mid Level
3-7 years$176,185$158,567 - $193,804
Senior Level
8+ years$246,659$221,993 - $271,325

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 San Jose

San Jose has a cost of living that is 24% higher than the global average. Average rent is approximately $3,200 per month. The purchasing power index is 88, indicating moderate local purchasing power.

Cost of Living Index
124
Purchasing Power
88
Average Rent
$3,200/mo

Major PLC Employers in San Jose

Intel

Applied Materials

Lam Research

KLA

Western Digital

Cisco

Dominant PLC Brands

The most commonly used PLC platforms in San Jose:

1
Siemens
2
Allen-Bradley
3
Omron

Preferred Certifications

Certifications valued by employers in San Jose:

Siemens TIA Portal
Allen-Bradley

Key Industry Sectors in San Jose

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

Semiconductor
Electronics
Tech

Compare with Similar Cities

Compare PLC Programmer salaries in San Jose with similar cities:

Accelerate Your PLC Programming in San Jose

Get 20 production-ready ladder logic templates covering Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and more. Skip the guesswork and start building real-world automation programs today.

Instant Download
$29
20 Ready-to-Use Templates
Get the Ladder Logic Code Pack

✓ Instant Download ✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average PLC Programmer salary in San Jose?

The average PLC Programmer salary in San Jose is $182,058 per year. Entry-level positions start around $123,330, while senior professionals can earn $246,659 or more.

Which companies hire PLC Programmers in San Jose?

Major employers in San Jose include Intel, Applied Materials, Lam Research, and many others. The Semiconductor sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

What PLC brands are most common in San Jose?

The dominant PLC brands in San Jose are Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron. Having certifications in Siemens is particularly valuable for professionals in this market.

How does the cost of living affect salary in San Jose?

San Jose has a cost of living that is 24% higher than the global average. Average rent is approximately $3,200 per month. The purchasing power index is 88, indicating moderate local purchasing power. This cost of living adjustment is reflected in the salary ranges shown above.

Ready to Launch Your PLC Programmer Career in San Jose?

Get 20 production-ready ladder logic templates and start building real automation programs. Everything you need to stand out as a PLC Programmer in San Jose.

✓ 20 Production-Ready Templates ✓ Instant Download ✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Free PLC simulator

Land the role — build the skills first

Employers want hands-on PLC ability. Practice ladder logic in your browser across 8 dialects with 12 guided lessons — free account, no credit card.

Practice PLCs free →