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Control Systems Engineering Salary in California

How much does a Control Systems Engineering make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control Systems Engineering in California is $141,158 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

However, a Control Systems Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $164,086
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $131,471 to $153,159
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,652
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Control Systems Engineering Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Control Systems Engineering Salaries

A Control Systems Engineering's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Control Systems Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Control Systems Engineering's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $105,018
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $121,977
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $138,657
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $169,631
  • Expert (over 8 years): $186,616
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Control & Instrument Engineer I less than 1 year $105,018
Control & Instrument Engineer II 1-2 years $121,977
Control Systems Engineering 2-4 years $138,657
Control & Instrument Engineer IV 5-8 years $169,631
Control & Instrument Engineer V over 8 years $186,616

How Do Control Systems Engineering Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Control Systems Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $141,695.
  • California: $141,158.
  • Massachusetts: $139,276.

Top Paying Cities for Control Systems Engineering

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $141,401
  • West Hollywood: $141,298
  • Dodgertown: $141,399

Control Systems Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Control Systems Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Control Systems Engineering positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Control Systems Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Control Systems Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $155,273 $75.0 10%
Biotechnology $155,273 $75.0 10%
Chemicals $155,273 $75.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $155,273 $75.0 10%
Healthcare $155,273 $75.0 10%

Control Systems Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Control Systems Engineering's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$131,471
Average $141,158/year
$153,159
$10,956
Average $11,763/month
$12,763
$2,528
Average $2,715/week
$2,945
$63
Average $68/hour
$74
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $153,159 $12,763 $2,945 $74
Average $141,158 $11,763 $2,715 $68
25th Percentile $131,471 $10,956 $2,528 $63

Find Your Next Control Systems Engineering Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Control Systems Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • SPEC SERVICES INC. | Fountain Valley, CA

    Electrical&amp Control Systems Designer

    SPEC SERVICES INC. | Fountain Valley, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. SPEC Services, Inc. is a premier firm in Electrical and Control Systems engineering and is seeking a self-motivated and e... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Skorpios Technologies Inc | Temecula, CA

    Firmware Control Systems Engineer

    Skorpios Technologies Inc | Temecula, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. The interview process for this position may include a technical presentation of the candidates current or pr... more

    6 Days Ago

  • CesiumAstro | El Segundo, CA

    Senior Engineering Manager Systems Engineering

    CesiumAstro | El Segundo, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Please Note: . To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Trillium Staffing | Chatsworth, CA

    Systems Engineering Manager

    Trillium Staffing | Chatsworth, CA

    Trillium Professional is now seeking a Systems Engineering Manager for direct-hire in Chatsworth, CA. We are looking for a very competent Manager of System... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Northrop Grumman | El Segundo, CA

    Systems Engineering Manager

    Northrop Grumman | El Segundo, CA

    RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:YesCLEARANCE TYPE:SecretTRAVEL:Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt N... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Northrop Grumman | Redondo Beach, CA

    Manager Systems Engineering

    Northrop Grumman | Redondo Beach, CA

    RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE:SecretTRAVEL:Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees h... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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