Career Snapshot: Automation Engineer
Typical U.S. Salary Range: $85K–$115K, depending on experience, location, and specialization (Zippia, 2025; Salary.com, 2025; PayScale, 2025; Glassdoor upper estimate, 2025).
- Zippia average: $92,597 (2025)
- Salary.com average: $105,005; most between $97,315–$112,345 (2025)
- PayScale average: $85,744; range $65K–$120K (2025)
- Glassdoor (upper estimate): $115,835 (2025)
Job Growth & Outlook: The BLS does not track “Automation Engineer” as a standalone occupation; related roles (e.g., control systems, test automation, DevOps) show modest growth (BLS, 2024). Zippia reports a +3.4% salary increase from 2024 to 2025, reflecting steady demand as automation expands across manufacturing, IT, robotics, and QA (Zippia, 2025).
Entry-Level Reality: Many begin in QA/test automation, control systems, or junior automation support. With experience and credentials, they progress into higher-level engineering and systems integration roles.
Key Insight: Growth is steady rather than explosive, but demand is rising due to ongoing automation trends across industries.
Essential Skills for Success
- Programming and scripting (Python, C, JavaScript, PLC languages)
- Control systems concepts (sensors, actuators, feedback loops)
- Test automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Cypress)
- CI/CD pipeline automation and DevOps practices
- API and systems integration; database fundamentals
- Cloud-based automation (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Hardware/software interfacing; embedded basics
- Monitoring, diagnostics, and performance tuning
- Agile teamwork, documentation, and systematic problem solving
Education Pathways
- Typical Route: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
- Alternative Paths: Certificates, vocational programs, or bootcamps focused on automation, controls, QA automation, or DevOps—paired with hands-on projects.
- Lifelong Learning: As AI, IoT, and robotics expand, continuous upskilling is essential.
Credentials & Certifications
All offerings below are provided through SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera and reflect what’s publicly listed for this pathway:
AI Agent Developer Specialization — 6 courses
Focus: designing and building agentic AI systems with Python; tool use, memory, and reasoning; custom GPTs; and responsible, trustworthy AI for real-world automation use cases (Coursera, 2025).
Related Career Pathways
- Test Automation Engineer
- DevOps / Site Reliability Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Cloud Automation Specialist
How to Get Started
Enroll with SchoolDay Academy
Begin the Automation Engineer pathway and complete the AI Agent Developer Specialization.
Build Practical Projects
Automate test suites, orchestrate CI/CD workflows, or prototype agentic automations that integrate APIs and data sources.
Gain Real Experience
Pursue internships or entry-level roles in QA automation, controls, or IT operations to apply your skills.
Add Vendor Certifications
Consider cloud and DevOps credentials to deepen infrastructure automation capability.
Advance into Specialized Roles
Progress toward robotics, IoT, or enterprise systems automation as you gain experience.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Pathway
SchoolDay Academy recommends the Automation Engineer pathway because it blends engineering rigor with practical problem solving—skills every modern organization needs to stay efficient and competitive.
- Competitive Salaries: Typical earnings between $85K–$115K with room to grow (Zippia, Salary.com, PayScale, 2025).
- Steady Demand: Rising adoption of automation across manufacturing, IT, and QA (BLS related roles; Zippia, 2025).
- Stackable Learning: The specialization delivers applied projects you can showcase.
- Cross-Sector Relevance: Applicable in technology, industry, and engineering environments.
- Perkins V Alignment: Emphasizes applied technical literacy, system design, and employability.
Conclusion
The Automation Engineer Career Pathway prepares learners to design and implement automation systems that transform how organizations operate. With steady demand, competitive pay, and versatile skills, it’s a future-ready path.
Explore the Automation Engineer Career Pathway on SchoolDay Academy and start building your future today.