Industrial Automation Technician training programs & pay
Average pay $76,420 (all experience levels); median $73,900; top 10% earn over $109,890. Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technicians set up, test, program and repair the automated equipment, robotics and control systems used in factories and warehouses. Most train through a certificate or associate program in electromechanical or mechatronics technology.
- $76,420Average pay (U.S., all experience levels)
- $47,840Entry-level / bottom 10%
- $73,900Median pay (U.S.)
- $109,890Top 10% earn over
15,520 jobs nationwide · 663 listed programs in 49 states. Average = BLS mean across all experience levels, not starting pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. O*NET 17-3024.00.
Highest-paying states (BLS median)
BLS wage data
What automation and mechatronics technicians earn
As of the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15, automation and mechatronics technicians in the United States earned an average (mean) of $76,420 a year across all experience levels, with a median of $73,900; the entry-level / bottom 10% figure (10th percentile) was $47,840 and the top 10% earned more than $109,890.
Annual wages for Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (SOC 17-3024) from the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. It is in our Average pay $65k+ (all experience levels) group: the national average (mean, all experience levels) is $76,420; the median is $73,900 and the entry-level / bottom 10% figure is $47,840.
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $47,840 | $59,780 | $73,900 | $88,540 | $109,890 | $76,420 | 15,520 |
BLS has no 'industrial automation' occupation. We use SOC 17-3024 (Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, which includes O*NET 17-3024.01 Robotics Technicians). Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) was also checked (May 2025 average $68,460 across all experience levels, median $64,520, 90th percentile $95,170) and is not listed as a separate trade on this site yet.
Training & tuition
What training costs
Tuition comes only from published College Scorecard figures. Apprenticeship sponsors do not publish tuition in federal files, so they show “Contact program.”
| Program group | Lowest | Middle | Highest | What the figure is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schools with published tuition (598) | $852 | $4,864 | $61,804 | College Scorecard annual tuition & fees (in-state low end; out-of-state high end where they differ) |
| Registered apprenticeship sponsors (61) | Contact program | Not published in the DOL file. Registered apprenticeships are usually paid jobs with related classroom instruction. | ||
Occupation profile
| O*NET-SOC code | 17-3024.00 |
|---|---|
| O*NET title | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians |
| BLS SOC | 17-3024 |
| Job zone | Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Sample job titles | Automation Technician (Automation Tech), Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler), Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician), Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech), Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech) |
Typical tasks (O*NET)
- Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
- Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
- Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Inspect parts for surface defects.
Programs
Featured automation technician programs
12 of 663 listed programs, schools with published tuition first. Pick a state below for the full list.
| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamance Community College Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician | Graham, NC | Certificate (1-2 years) | 2 | $2,592–$8,736 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0407 |
| Alamance Community College Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician | Graham, NC | Associate degree | 10 | $2,592–$8,736 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0407 |
| Alamance Community College Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician | Graham, NC | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 8 | $2,592–$8,736 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0407 |
| Albany Technical College Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | Albany, GA | Associate degree | 0 | $3,364–$5,932 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0403 |
| Albany Technical College Robotics Technology/Technician | Albany, GA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $3,364–$5,932 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0405 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College Automation Engineer Technology/Technician | Alexandria, MN | Associate degree | 21 | $6,530 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0406 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College Automation Engineer Technology/Technician | Alexandria, MN | Certificate (2-4 years) | 0 | $6,530 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0406 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College Automation Engineer Technology/Technician | Alexandria, MN | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $6,530 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0406 |
| Amarillo College Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | Amarillo, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 61 | $2,136–$4,704 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0403 |
| Amarillo College Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | Amarillo, TX | Associate degree | 22 | $2,136–$4,704 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0403 |
| Amarillo College Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | Amarillo, TX | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 25 | $2,136–$4,704 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0403 |
| Angelina College Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician | Lufkin, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 13 | $3,430–$6,490 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 15.0403 |
By state
Industrial Automation Technician pay and programs by state
Highest state medians:
| State | Listed programs | Median pay | 90th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 | $66,660 | $102,650 | 70 |
| Alaska | 1 | $80,290 | $131,130 | 40 |
| Arizona | 17 | $80,930 | $105,730 | 120 |
| Arkansas | 11 | — | — | — |
| California | 17 | $81,550 | $129,380 | 1,850 |
| Colorado | 9 | $74,730 | $88,020 | 570 |
| Connecticut | 3 | $81,860 | $107,340 | 140 |
| Delaware | 2 | — | — | — |
| Florida | 25 | $75,450 | $96,800 | 500 |
| Georgia | 15 | $68,720 | $119,080 | 170 |
| Hawaii | 2 | — | — | — |
| Idaho | 3 | $70,830 | $83,580 | 120 |
| Illinois | 24 | $79,400 | $98,160 | 250 |
| Indiana | 11 | $47,440 | $74,090 | 290 |
| Iowa | 30 | $73,010 | $94,470 | 180 |
| Kansas | 7 | — | — | — |
| Kentucky | 1 | $65,270 | $101,500 | 70 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $75,410 | $112,840 | 120 |
| Maine | 3 | $82,510 | $98,190 | — |
| Maryland | 4 | $75,330 | $144,060 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | 10 | $73,630 | $99,260 | 920 |
| Michigan | 53 | $62,460 | $80,420 | 850 |
| Minnesota | 38 | $61,670 | $82,220 | 400 |
| Mississippi | 6 | $71,420 | $89,110 | 70 |
| Missouri | 7 | $65,360 | $96,990 | 230 |
| Montana | 1 | $77,340 | $89,530 | 70 |
| Nebraska | 5 | $72,800 | $77,910 | 130 |
| Nevada | 1 | $82,010 | $117,940 | 220 |
| New Hampshire | 2 | $75,780 | $108,610 | 80 |
| New Jersey | 5 | $60,040 | $109,140 | 200 |
| New Mexico | 5 | $119,320 | $123,240 | 670 |
| New York | 26 | $68,010 | $105,180 | 410 |
| North Carolina | 79 | $63,330 | $85,420 | 800 |
| North Dakota | 2 | $82,820 | $137,020 | 90 |
| Ohio | 53 | $73,050 | $109,320 | 350 |
| Oklahoma | 6 | $65,100 | $84,530 | 140 |
| Oregon | 3 | $67,140 | $81,470 | 160 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | $74,710 | $98,750 | 650 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | — | — | — |
| Rhode Island | 2 | — | — | — |
| South Carolina | 7 | $67,610 | $101,540 | 270 |
| South Dakota | 4 | — | — | — |
| Tennessee | 24 | $64,720 | $85,490 | 190 |
| Texas | 38 | $54,460 | $105,640 | 1,800 |
| Utah | 7 | — | — | — |
| Virginia | 6 | $74,880 | $105,130 | 570 |
| Washington | 18 | $81,220 | $117,760 | 570 |
| West Virginia | 6 | — | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 42 | $76,290 | $104,850 | 580 |
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FAQ
Industrial Automation Technician pay and training: quick answers
How much do automation and mechatronics technicians make?
As of the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15, automation and mechatronics technicians in the United States earned an average (mean) of $76,420 a year across all experience levels, with a median of $73,900; the entry-level / bottom 10% figure (10th percentile) was $47,840 and the top 10% earned more than $109,890.
What is entry-level pay for automation and mechatronics technicians?
BLS does not publish a starting wage. The closest federal figure is the 10th percentile, which we label entry-level / bottom 10%: $47,840 a year nationally in the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. The median is $73,900.
Which states pay automation and mechatronics technicians the most?
By BLS average (mean) annual wage, the top states are New Mexico ($110,820), California ($92,350), North Dakota ($92,220), in the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
How many automation technician training programs are listed?
We list 663 in 49 states: 602 school programs from the NCES IPEDS 2023-24 completions file (5,281 graduates that year) and 61 registered apprenticeship sponsors from the DOL Office of Apprenticeship partner file. Listings are matched from public files and are not endorsements.
How much does automation technician training cost?
For the 598 listed schools with published College Scorecard tuition and fees, the annual figure ranges from $852 to $61,804 (middle $4,864). Registered apprenticeships are usually paid jobs, and the DOL file does not list tuition.
Sources
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15 (news release USDL-26-0725; data tables). Cross-checked against the BLS Public Data API on 2026-11-03.
- Occupation: O*NET OnLine, 17-3024.00 Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, retrieved 2026-11-03 (CC BY 4.0).
- Apprenticeship sponsors: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship: partner sponsors file, retrieved 2026-10-29 (Partner Finder).
- Schools & graduates: U.S. Department of Education, NCES IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (C2024_A) and Institutional Characteristics (HD2024), award year 2023-24, matched by 6-digit CIP code (completions file; CIP-SOC crosswalk).
- Tuition: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (Most Recent Cohorts: Institution + Field of Study), data updated 2026-10-15, matched by IPEDS unit ID (source).
Program listings are matched from public files by occupation code or organization name; they are not endorsements and we have not visited or tested any program. Confirm schedules, entry requirements and costs with the program. Compiled by the HighPayingTrades team; last refreshed 2026-11-03.