Salary Data 2026
PLC & Automation Engineer Salary Guide UK 2026
A comprehensive breakdown of what PLC programmers, controls engineers, SCADA specialists, and automation professionals earn across the United Kingdom. Data compiled from job-board listings, recruiter surveys, and employer reports.
UK Median Salary (All Levels)
£42,000
By Role
Salary by Job Title
Salaries vary significantly depending on job title and level of responsibility. Specialist roles like SCADA Architect or Automation Consultant command the highest premiums.
| Role | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior PLC Programmer | £28k | £31k | £35k |
| PLC Technician | £30k | £34k | £38k |
| Controls Engineer | £35k | £42k | £48k |
| Automation Engineer | £40k | £47k | £55k |
| SCADA Engineer | £42k | £50k | £58k |
| Systems Integrator | £45k | £52k | £60k |
| Senior Controls Engineer | £50k | £57k | £65k |
| Lead Automation Engineer | £55k | £63k | £72k |
| SCADA Architect | £65k | £74k | £85k |
| Controls Engineering Manager | £65k | £76k | £90k |
| Automation Consultant | £70k | £80k | £95k |
| Freelance PLC Programmer | £55k | £75k | £100k |
By Region
Regional Pay Differences
London and the South East consistently offer the highest salaries, driven by higher cost of living and concentration of engineering consultancies. The Midlands serves as the baseline for national comparisons.
London & South East
£52k
+15%
Midlands
£45k
Baseline
North West
£46k
+3%
North East
£44k
-2%
Scotland
£43k
-5%
Wales
£42k
-7%
South West
£45k
+1%
East Anglia
£44k
-3%
By Experience
How Experience Affects Your Salary
0 – 2 years
£30,000
Graduate or career-changer with PLC training certification. Junior roles in commissioning or programming support.
3 – 5 years
£45,000
Independent controls engineer handling full project lifecycle. Often specialising in a single PLC platform.
5 – 10 years
£58,000
Senior engineer or team lead. Multi-platform experience across Siemens, Rockwell, and Schneider. Managing junior staff.
10+ years
£72,000+
Principal engineer, architect, or consulting roles. Deep domain expertise in sectors like water, pharma, or oil and gas.
By Industry
Which Industries Pay the Most?
Industry choice has a major impact on earning potential. Oil and gas leads the way, while food and beverage and building automation typically sit at the lower end but offer the highest volume of available positions.
Oil & Gas
£65k avg
Highest-paying sector, often includes offshore premium
Water & Wastewater
£52k avg
Large public-sector employers, stable demand
Pharmaceuticals
£55k avg
GMP-regulated, high attention to validation
Energy & Renewables
£50k avg
Growing sector with battery and solar projects
Automotive
£48k avg
Robotics integration, high-volume production lines
Food & Beverage
£42k avg
High volume of roles, lower average pay
Building Automation
£40k avg
BMS/HVAC controls, strong growth in smart buildings
Defence
£58k avg
Security clearance required, premium compensation
EU Comparison
How the UK Compares to Europe
UK automation engineer salaries are competitive within Europe. Germany leads in absolute terms, but the UK offers a strong combination of salary, demand, and career mobility.
| Country | Local Currency | EUR Equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| United KingdomYOU | £45,000 | €52,000 |
| Germany | €55,000 | €55,000 |
| Netherlands | €50,000 | €50,000 |
| France | €42,000 | €42,000 |
| Ireland | €48,000 | €48,000 |
| Spain | €32,000 | €32,000 |
| Poland | zł120,000 | €28,000 |
Boost Your Earnings
How to Increase Your Salary
The single most effective way to increase your earning potential as an automation engineer is to gain formal PLC certification alongside practical, hands-on experience. Employers consistently pay a premium for candidates who hold recognised training credentials from accredited providers.
Get CPD-Accredited PLC Training
Certified professionals earn 15-25% more than uncertified peers in equivalent roles.
Learn Multiple PLC Platforms
Engineers proficient in both Siemens and Allen-Bradley command the highest salaries.
Specialise in a High-Paying Sector
Oil and gas, water, and pharma pay significantly more than general manufacturing.
Develop SCADA and Networking Skills
Full-stack controls engineers who can handle PLC, SCADA, and networking are rare and valuable.
Consider Contracting or Freelancing
Day rates for freelance PLC programmers range from £300 to £550+, translating to very high annual earnings.
Get Started
Ready to Earn More?
Enquire about our PLC training courses and take the first step toward a higher-paying automation career.