Automation Technician

Technology AI-Augmented

Installs, maintains, and repairs automated systems in manufacturing or industrial settings.

Work Profile

Stress

6/10

Work-Life

7/10

Future Outlook

7/10

Hours / Week

Salary Growth

Starting

$52,000

Year 5

$72,000

Year 10

$88,000

Top Earners

$125,000

Promotion Path: Junior Tech -> Tech -> Senior Tech -> Automation Engineer.

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Core Skills and Tools

These are the practical tools, systems, math, and AI skills used in Automation Technician roles.

AI & Automation

Automation scripting

Core Skills

Electrical schematics reading

Engineering testing

Mechanical troubleshooting

Power tools and hand tools operation

Repair and modification

Industry Knowledge

Automotive repair certification

Requirements

Associate's degree requirement

High school diploma / GED requirement

Systems & Software

Aircraft electrical systems

Electrical design modeling

Mechanical hand and shop tools

PLC programming

VFD machinery knowledge

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Thinking about switching into Automation Technician?

Answer a few skill questions and see your personalized skill gap, recommended projects, and a step-by-step plan to get closer to this role.

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Other Potential Career Pivot Paths

Many professionals start in Automation Technician roles and later move into higher-paying or more specialized careers by developing additional skills.

Auto Electrician

Move between related career paths by building adjacent skills and experience.

Typical Salary: $70k-$105k

Skills Needed: electrical systems, troubleshooting, sensors, documentation

Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate

View Career →

How to Get Hired

This section focuses on practical readiness: what skills matter, what tools or certifications may help, and what you can do now to become more employable.

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See the exact skills, certifications, projects, and step-by-step plan to break into Automation Technician.

Certifications that actually help
Real projects to build experience
A 30–60 day action plan

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AI Impact & Task Breakdown

AI-Augmented

Directly related to AI; technicians will manage AI-driven factory floors.

How to Stay Valuable

Develop judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills
Learn how AI tools can support this career instead of ignoring them
Move toward strategy, interpretation, and higher-value work over time

AI Scores

Automation Risk: 4.4/10 Human Value: 8.0/10 AI Leverage: 7.0/10

Based on 5 analyzed tasks

More likely automated

Test System Performance
Document Technical Work

Still requires human judgment

Troubleshoot Control Systems
Install Automation Equipment

How AI Affects This Job

This career includes a mix of tasks. Some are becoming more automated, while others are becoming more valuable because they require human expertise.