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Entry Level Plc Programmer Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

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Entry Level Plc Programmer information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$38.9K

$77.5K

$107.5K

How much do entry level plc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plc programmer in Baton Rouge, LA is $77,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level PLC Programmer?

An Entry Level PLC Programmer is a professional who is responsible for programming, testing, and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in industrial or manufacturing environments. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers to help automate machinery, troubleshoot control systems, and ensure production processes run smoothly. This role requires a basic understanding of electrical systems, logic programming, and industrial automation, as well as familiarity with common PLC software platforms. Entry level PLC programmers often assist with system installations, upgrades, and technical support while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level PLC programmers when transitioning from academic learning to real-world industrial environments?

Entry level PLC programmers often find that adapting theoretical knowledge to complex, real-world industrial systems can be challenging. Unlike controlled classroom settings, industrial environments may involve troubleshooting legacy equipment, integrating with various hardware brands, and adhering to strict safety standards. New programmers also need to quickly learn to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams like electricians, maintenance staff, and engineers to ensure smooth project execution. Gaining hands-on experience and asking questions are key to overcoming these early hurdles.

What Does an Entry-Level PLC Programmer Do?

As an entry-level PLC programmer, your duties are to help engineers and designers create new programs or improve existing programs in a programmable logic controller, which is a stripped-down computer that operates automated machinery. The PLC monitors things like production efficiency and machine temperature. Your responsibilities are to assess the current automation process to determine the specific needs of the PLC device and work with other specialists to improve the design of new programs for manufacturing equipment that has not yet been put into large-scale production.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plc Programmer vs Automation Technician?

AspectEntry Level Plc ProgrammerAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in automation or programmingTechnical diploma or certification in automation, electrical, or mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentOffice or plant floor, programming PLCs, testing, troubleshootingPlant floor, maintaining and repairing automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial automation, process controlManufacturing, industrial facilities, equipment maintenance

Entry Level Plc Programmers focus on writing and testing PLC code, often working closely with engineers. Automation Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and repair of automation systems. While both roles require technical certifications and work in manufacturing environments, their primary responsibilities differ, with programmers emphasizing software development and technicians focusing on hardware and system upkeep.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level PLC Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level PLC Programmer, you need a basic understanding of electrical engineering principles, ladder logic, and a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLC programming software (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), HMI systems, and troubleshooting tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with engineering teams and resolve automation issues efficiently. These skills ensure correct system programming, minimize downtime, and support reliable, safe industrial operations.
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Entry Level Plc Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plc Programmer job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,457 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Associate Instrumentation / Controls Engineer (Entry-Level)

Associate Instrumentation / Controls Engineer (Entry-Level)

J H Operating Company LLC

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

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Job description

Associate Instrumentation / Controls Engineer (Entry-Level)

 

About Us
Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge, J H Operating Company, LLC is an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCm) firm supporting upstream and midstream oil and gas projects across the U.S. We’re looking for a new graduate or early-career engineer to join our Baton Rouge team as an Associate Instrumentation / Controls Engineer.

This role is for someone excited to start their engineering career and gain hands-on exposure to instrumentation and controls projects in the oil & gas industry. You’ll work directly with experienced engineers and project managers, building your skills from the ground up.

What You’ll Learn & Do

Automation & Controls Exposure

  • Participate in P&ID reviews to understand instrumentation and controls design considerations.
  • Assist with Cause & Effect reviews and learn how control logic is applied in real projects.
  • Support creation and review of instrument lists and learn specification basics.
  • Gain exposure to instrument specifications and participate in the purchasing process.
  • Help review and develop control narratives under senior mentorship.
  • Learn to read and support the design of automation drawings.
  • Assist with PLC and UPS specification and purchasing.
  • Auditing point-to-point connections between SCADA management system and field discrete instruments to ensure system functionality.

Field & Project Experience

  • Support commissioning and start-up activities, including Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
  • Participate in site visits for troubleshooting, vendor inspections, and construction support (approx. 15% travel).
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to understand the project lifecycle.

Growth Path

  • As you mature in the role, you’ll progress to:
    • Taking ownership of automation design tasks.
    • Working directly with integration vendors on project execution.
    • Leading small scopes of work independently.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.
  • Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in automation, instrumentation, or controls is a plus.
  • Eagerness to learn PLC programming, SCADA systems, and oil & gas process controls.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Must be legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle and able to pass drug screening.

J H Operating Company, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, citizenship, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or veteran status.

Company Description

J H Operating Company offers engineers, designers, and project professionals the opportunity to work on real oil and gas facility projects with direct impact. JH operates as an owner-focused EPCm firm, meaning teams are involved early, make practical decisions, and see projects through from concept to construction and commissioning.
Employees at JH work in small, highly capable teams where individual contributions matter. The company emphasises technical competence, accountability, and transparency, giving team members visibility into how projects are planned, executed, and delivered.
JH supports professional growth by exposing employees to multiple disciplines, project phases, and client interactions. The organization values efficiency, problem-solving, and ownership, creating an environment where people who want responsibility and hands-on experience can grow quickly.