Controls engineers design, develop, and test automated or dynamic systems that are controlled through feedback with sensors or detectors. Examples include automated irrigation systems that can sense moisture levels in soil, or self-driving cars that can navigate congested streets. Controls engineers apply control theory to devices, machines, and processes to attain desired outcomes. They can work on everything from boilers, washing machines, or light switches to complex industrial machinery.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical engineering or a related field is required to become a controls engineer, as is a keen interest in systems and solving problems. Advanced engineering degrees are also available and may make a candidate more attractive to a hiring manager. Skills required to be a controls engineer are attention to detail, a working knowledge of field-specific software, and the ability to read technical drawings.

High Paying Controls Engineer Jobs

List of the top 9 highest paying Controls Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Flight Controls Engineer
Salary range: $161,000 - $189,000
The majority of Flight Controls Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $161,000 (25th percentile) and $189,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Flight Controls Engineer job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Senior Control Systems Engineer
Salary range: $167,000 - $173,000
The majority of Senior Control Systems Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $167,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Control Systems Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Instrumentation and Control Engineer
Salary range: $88,500 - $129,000
The majority of Instrumentation and Control Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $88,500 (25th percentile) and $129,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Instrumentation and Control Engineer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.
Controls Project Engineer
Salary range: $87,000 - $129,000
The majority of Controls Project Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $87,000 (25th percentile) and $129,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Controls Project Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Senior Controls Engineer
Salary range: $97,000 - $128,000
The majority of Senior Controls Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $97,000 (25th percentile) and $128,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Controls Engineer job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.
Control Systems Engineer
Salary range: $84,000 - $126,500
A control systems engineer’s duties include designing, building and maintaining instrumentation, monitors, and other equipment used to control complex systems. Some examples of these control systems include navigation networks, production machinery gauges, and computer system monitors. It is the control systems engineer’s job to maintain safe and efficient field operation of the equipment and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the equipment. These skilled engineers are typically well versed in mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering concepts and design.
Electrical Control Engineer
Salary range: $80,000 - $107,000
The majority of Electrical Control Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $80,000 (25th percentile) and $107,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Electrical Control Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Plc Controls Engineer
Salary range: $78,000 - $100,000
As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.
Manufacturing Controls Engineer
Salary range: $84,000 - $99,000
The majority of Manufacturing Controls Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $84,000 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Manufacturing Controls Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

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