Hire Automation Technicians

Updated November 9, 2026

To hire an automation technician, describe the automated equipment, the work (install, troubleshoot or maintain) and the shift, post the contract with the rate, or search automation technicians and request one by name.

What does an automation technician actually do?

They install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated production equipment — PLCs, sensors, drives, motors, robots, and the mechanical systems around them. When a line stops, the automation technician diagnoses whether it's electrical, mechanical, or controls and gets it running safely.

Automation technician vs controls engineer — what is the difference?

A technician keeps existing equipment running and does hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting. A controls engineer designs and programs the control systems. For upkeep and fast fault-finding on the floor, hire a technician; for new design or PLC programming, hire an engineer.

What certifications should an automation technician have?

ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is the recognized controls-side credential; a mechatronics certificate (PMMI, NIMS) signals the combined electrical-mechanical skill. Most valuable is hands-on history on the specific PLCs, robots, and equipment you run.

What does a contract automation technician cost?

Rates vary with skill breadth, robotics experience, and region. As a benchmark, the electro-mechanical technician category runs a median near $66,530 a year. Each profile shows the rate openly, so you compare before reaching out.

The market for automation technicians right now

Automation technicians keep automated production running, and demand is climbing as more plants add robots, PLCs, and smart equipment than there are technicians to service them. The role is hands-on mechatronics — electrical, mechanical, and controls skill combined — and it is one of the most reliable ways into a well-paid industrial career without a four-year degree. Reshoring and Industry 4.0 upgrades are widening the gap between the automation being installed and the workforce that can maintain it.

Training, apprenticeships & certifications

Programs and credentials that build automation technician skills — useful whether you're hiring one or becoming one.

• ISA — Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) ↗
• NIMS — Skills Certifications ↗
• PMMI — Mechatronics Certification ↗
• BLS OOH — Electro-Mechanical & Mechatronics Technicians ↗

What's moving the automation technician market — workforce shifts, pay, and demand. We rotate these as new reporting lands.

• Automation.com — Workforce & Technology News ↗
• Control Engineering — Maintenance & Reliability ↗
• ISA — InTech & Automation Insights ↗
• Plant Engineering — Maintenance Coverage ↗