How much does a Factory Automation Engineer make in Iowa? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Factory Automation Engineer in Iowa is $93,698 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, a Factory Automation Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $107,821
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,374 to $101,091
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,617

Key Factors That Influence Factory Automation Engineer Salaries

A Factory Automation Engineer'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 Factory Automation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Factory Automation Engineer'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): $80,414
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $92,158
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,291
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $125,039
  • Expert (over 8 years): $109,076
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Process Engineer I less than 1 year $80,414
Factory Automation Engineer 1-2 years $92,158
Process Engineer III 2-4 years $102,291
Process Engineer IV 5-8 years $125,039
Process Engineering Supervisor over 8 years $109,076

Top Paying Cities for Factory Automation Engineer

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:

  • West Bend: $91,307
  • Melvin: $91,041
  • Milford: $91,429

Factory Automation Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Factory Automation Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Factory Automation Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Factory Automation Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Factory Automation Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $140,547 $68.0 50%
Pharmaceuticals $121,807 $59.0 30%
Biotechnology $117,123 $56.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $112,438 $54.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $103,068 $50.0 10%

Factory Automation Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Factory Automation Engineer'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 September 01, 2026
$87,374
Average $93,698/year
$101,091
$7,281
Average $7,808/month
$8,424
$1,680
Average $1,802/week
$1,944
$42
Average $45/hour
$49
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $101,091 $8,424 $1,944 $49
Average $93,698 $7,808 $1,802 $45
25th Percentile $87,374 $7,281 $1,680 $42

Find Your Next Factory Automation Engineer Job

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

  • ESCO Group | Marion, IA

    ESCO Group | Marion, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. AUTOMATION ENGINEER. ESCO Group’s vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as valued by our key stakeholders: our clie... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Baker Group | Ankeny, IA

    Baker Group | Ankeny, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. Senior Automation Engineer. Department:               Automation. FLSA Designation:    Non-Exempt. PURPOSE. The Senior Au... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company | West Des Moines, IA

    Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company | West Des Moines, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. At Farmers Mutual Hail (FMH), our mission is simple: protect the livelihoods and legacies of America's farmers through th... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Baker Group | Cedar Rapids, IA

    Baker Group | Cedar Rapids, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. PURPOSE. The Senior Automation Engineer provides technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Precision of New Hampton | New Hampton, IA

    Precision of New Hampton | New Hampton, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. Now Hiring: Mechanical Engineer / Automation Specialist (Torque Converter Design). We are seeking a talented. Mechanical ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • ESCO Group | Marion, IA

    ESCO Group | Marion, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. Senior Automation Controls Engineer.  .  . Division:                                 . ESCO Automation. Location more

    10 Days Ago

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