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Controls Engineer Salary in Salt Lake City

Complete 2026 salary guide for Controls Engineer professionals in Salt Lake City, UT

Salary Overview

Based on 2026 market data, Controls Engineer professionals in Salt Lake City earn competitive salaries adjusted for the area's cost of living index of 108. The salary ranges below reflect current market conditions in the Salt Lake City area.

ENTRY LEVEL

$81,000$110,160

0-2 years

MID LEVEL

$110,160$151,200

2-6 years

SENIOR LEVEL

$151,200$172,800

6+ years

Salary Comparison: National vs. Salt Lake City

Compare how Salt Lake City salaries stack up against national averages. The adjustment factor reflects the local cost of living.

Experience LevelNational AverageSalt Lake City AdjustedDifference
Junior Controls Engineer$75,000$102,000$81,000$110,160+8%
Controls Engineer$102,000$140,000$110,160$151,200+8%
Senior Controls Engineer$140,000$160,000$151,200$172,800+8%

Cost of Living Context

Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 108 (where 100 is the national average). This means:

  • Living expenses are 8% higher than the national average
  • Housing, food, transportation, and utilities are noticeably more expensive
  • Higher salaries are necessary to maintain the same purchasing power
  • Take-home purchasing power may be similar to lower-cost areas with lower salaries

When evaluating job offers, consider both the salary amount and the cost of living. A $120,000 salary in Salt Lake City may provide more purchasing power than a $140,000 salary in a high-cost tech hub, depending on your lifestyle and location.

Skills That Command Premium Pay

Developing these in-demand skills can increase your earning potential as a Controls Engineer by 15-30%:

  • 1Control Systems
  • 2Programming
  • 3PLC Programming
  • 4Automation
  • 5Problem Solving

Career Progression & Salary Growth

Track typical salary growth as you advance in your Controls Engineer career in Salt Lake City:

Junior Controls Engineer

0-2 years

$81,000$110,160 annually

Entry point for Controls Engineer positions. Focus on building foundational skills and industry experience.

Controls Engineer

2-6 years

$110,160$151,200 annually

Growth of 36% from entry level. Expected with increased expertise and leadership.

Senior Controls Engineer

6+ years

$151,200$172,800 annually

Growth of 37% from mid level. Peak earning potential with mastery and strategic leadership.

Common Benefits & Perks

Beyond base salary, Controls Engineer professionals in Salt Lake City typically receive comprehensive benefits packages:

  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401(k) matching (typically 3-6%)
  • Paid time off (15-25 days annually)
  • Remote work options
  • Professional development budget
  • Performance bonuses (10-20% of base)

Compare Controls Engineer Salary in Other Cities

Explore how Controls Engineer salaries differ across major U.S. cities:

Related Salary Guides in Salt Lake City

Explore salary data for similar and related roles in Salt Lake City:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controls Engineer salary in Salt Lake City?
The average Controls Engineer salary in Salt Lake City is around $130,680 annually, based on 2026 market data with cost of living adjustments for the area.
How does Salt Lake City's cost of living affect Controls Engineer salaries?
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 108, which is above the national average. This means salaries are adjusted upward to reflect local expenses such as housing, transportation, and food.
What skills can increase Controls Engineer earnings in Salt Lake City?
Key skills that command premium pay include Control Systems, Programming, PLC Programming. Professionals with expertise in these areas typically earn 15-25% more than the median salary for the role.
What is the typical career progression for a Controls Engineer?
Career progression typically follows: Junior Controls Engineer (0-2 years) → Controls Engineer (2-6 years) → Senior Controls Engineer (6+ years). Salary growth averages 15-20% with each step.
How does Controls Engineer salary in Salt Lake City compare to other cities?
Controls Engineer salaries vary significantly by location. Tech hubs like San Francisco and New York offer higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living, while smaller cities like Indianapolis and San Antonio typically offer 20-30% lower salaries.

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