How much does an Automation Engineer make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for an Automation Engineer is $131,845 per year in San Francisco, CA. Salaries estimates are based on 5259 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Automation Engineer employees in San Francisco, CA.

The highest salary for an Automation Engineer in San Francisco, CA is $158,976 per year.

The lowest salary for an Automation Engineer in San Francisco, CA is $110,172 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Automation Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Automation Engineer.

Automation engineering salaries are high, reflecting the field’s significant barriers to entry. A bachelor’s in engineering degree is considered a minimum qualification, although many firms strongly prefer candidates with internship experience. Once hired, automation engineers typically work full time and are paid a salary with full benefits. Candidates with a Master of Engineering degree are typically paid higher salaries than candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. Successful engineers can earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license that indicates they are ready for more leadership responsibility, or they may choose to transition into a project manager role.

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Approximately 76% of automation engineers say they are satisfied with the salary they earn, according to anonymous employee ratings. People working in the field can earn more by getting an advanced degree, building experience, and gaining promotions, which can greatly increase earning potential.

Automation engineers earn between $93,860.18 and $187,683.58, depending on the details of the job and of the specific employer. While an automation engineer's average salary is around $117,327.14, location also affects the possible pay range for engineers. With eight or more years of experience in the field, many professional automation engineers earn up to $131,845.23 following along the typical career path for the industry.

Automation engineers have a lot of potential to increase their earnings with a combination of advanced training and experience. You may be able to increase your base pay by earning industry certifications such as certified software tester (CSTE), professional Scrum developer certification (PSD), A4Q-certified selenium tester, UFT, and an ISTQB-certified tester advanced level, test automation engineer (CTAL-TAE) certificates. Some of these certifications can be earned with brief workshop training, while others require a substantial commitment of time and work. Depending on your employer's policy, you may be able to get assistance earning one or more of these credentials.

The pay you earn as an automation engineer can increase with promotions and transfers or by renegotiating your salary at the job you have now. To find a new and better-paid position, try searching for automation engineer jobs in geographic locations you're willing to move to. If you're staying on at your current job, keep your resume updated with all of your current certifications, and approach your management team when you feel you are qualified for a higher rate. You can increase your leverage with a track record of successful projects and steadily advancing responsibilities.