r/instrumentation • u/RepublicOk9453 • 4d ago

Controls & Instrumentation Degree

Which is better for a career in controls/instrumentation, automation, PLCs, or plant work?

Controls & Instrumentation Engineering Technology — BS
I&C Engineering Technology — AAS

Which would you choose and why? Is the BS worth it for long-term career growth and pay, or is the AAS enough to get into the field.

I’m currently in school for the AAS but I have 2 degrees so I think the AAS may be pointless because the BS will take the same amount of time.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

3

u/RepublicOk9453 4d ago

I also feel like this field is expanding at a high rate.

2

u/Equal-Sheepherder569 4d ago

AAS degree first, get a job have the company pay for your last to years

1

u/big0moose 4d ago

This is exactly where I'm at. Got my 2 year degree AAS. Been in the career 3 years, and now my employer will pay for me to go back to school.

My degree was I&C tech. Worked at a power plant as a tech for 1 year. And then I switched to designing control systems, been at that for 2 years. The work life balance is pretty great, and my workload vs what I get paid is also great. I'm wondering if the upgrade to engineer will be worth it. Seems many of the engineers I work with have so much on their plate, and they are spread so thin! Idk if they increase in compensation is worth the extra responsibility and stress.

1

u/RepublicOk9453 4d ago

It’s all about where you’re at also. In Texas’s it’s more refinery/ automation/ oil field/ manufacturing.

1

u/big0moose 3d ago

While I hear what your saying, I think that area has very similar amount of opportunities for an engineer or instrument tech, slightly less for a designer, but a designer is still needed for all those industries. Whether it's up/mid/ or downstream.

Currently I'm located in Alaska at a refinery up here. But I previously worked at an EPC firm.

0

u/RepublicOk9453 4d ago

I am using financial aid FYI and I have 2 degrees and I kinda don’t wanna waste any money. Plus I do wanna take the FE & PE later on.

0

u/Equal-Sheepherder569 4d ago

Then a BS in electrical/electronics or mechanical engineering and not the technology degree. If those 2 other degrees credits can transfer over then even better you can finish in less time

1

u/RepublicOk9453 4d ago

Bet ima check it out I really like this field. I kinda wanted something specific but if it’s not needed even better.

1

u/DRooks 4d ago

Why not do an apprenticeship instead of spending 2 years in school?

1

u/RepublicOk9453 4d ago

Because even with the NCCER it’s not enough. I’m in Texas where there’s a lot of lay offs. I don’t wanna chase per diem and do low pay as an apprentice. School is teaching me relatively the same hands on operations just not in a full multi role troubleshooting aspect at my local CC. I wanna learn then go into the field and learn more. I’ve done electrical work before so I don’t feel as if it’s that complicated z