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Technical Professions in Industrial Automation Pay More Than R$ 9,5 Thousand and Suffer from Labor Shortage in Brazil; See the 7 Most Valued.
The advancement of technology and industrial automation in Brazil is creating a scenario of high demand for qualified labor while simultaneously highlighting a concerning shortage of specialized professionals. Companies across different sectors — from car factories to food production lines and chemical industries — are competing for technicians capable of operating, programming, and maintaining automated systems, driving salaries to levels exceeding R$ 9,5 thousand per month, even without requiring a higher education.
According to recent data from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and sector associations, automation is already present in over 70% of large industrial plants in Brazil, and the trend is for this number to grow rapidly with the adoption of collaborative robots, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in production lines. The problem is that the training of technical professionals is not keeping pace with this speed, resulting in a real “blackout” of labor.
Technical Professionals Become Key Players in the New Industry 4.0
The so-called Industry 4.0 demands a worker profile that combines practical technical knowledge with programming skills, data interpretation, and preventive maintenance of complex systems. In this scenario, the technician is no longer just an operator but a problem solver, capable of intervening quickly to avoid the stoppage of a production line that can generate million-dollar losses per hour.
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According to a survey by Senai, Brazil will need to train about 400,000 professionals in technical areas related to automation by 2027 to meet the industrial demand. Meanwhile, those who are already qualified find opportunities with attractive salaries, often higher than those of university graduates.
The 7 Most Valued Technical Professions in the Sector
- Industrial Automation Technician – Works on the installation, programming, and maintenance of automated systems. Average salary of R$ 8,5 thousand, which can reach R$ 12 thousand in large companies.
- Mechatronics Technician – A hybrid professional who combines knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and computing. Can work on developing integrated solutions for industrial processes.
- Industrial Robotics Technician – Specialized in industrial and collaborative robots, essential in high-precision production lines, such as the automotive industry.
- Electromechanical Maintenance Technician – Responsible for ensuring the continuous operation of machines, combining skills in electricity and mechanics.
- Instrumentation and Control Technician – A highly demanded professional in chemical, petrochemical, and energy industries, working in monitoring and adjusting processes.
- Industrial Electronics Technician – Works on the installation and repair of electronic systems that control industrial equipment.
- PLC Programming Technician – Specialist in programmable logic controllers, which are the “brains” of many automated production lines.
Why There Is a Shortage of Professionals in Brazil
The deficit of technicians in the automation sector is the result of a combination of factors: low demand for technical courses, lack of constant updates to school curricula, and rapid technological evolution. Many technical schools and even universities cannot keep pace with the speed of changes, causing part of the workforce to enter the market outdated.
Additionally, there is a cultural issue. There is still a perception in Brazil that higher education is more valued, which deters young people from technical education. However, in the industrial sector, this trend is reversing: companies are prioritizing practical skills and field experience over academic diplomas.
Salaries and Benefits on the Rise to Attract Talent
With the competition for professionals heated, companies have been offering more aggressive compensation packages. In addition to salaries that can exceed R$ 10 thousand, there are benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, profit-sharing, productivity bonuses, transportation or housing assistance, and continuous training programs.
In some industrial hubs, such as ABC Paulista, Manaus, and Camaçari (BA), there are reports of companies sponsoring update courses at Senai or international training centers to keep their teams ready for new technologies.
Training and Opportunities for Those Who Want to Enter the Field
The good news is that the path to enter these professions does not require a university degree. Institutions like Senai, Federal Institutes (IFs), and private technical schools offer courses lasting 1 to 2 years, which already prepare students to enter the market. In many cases, the mandatory internship ends up turning into effective hiring.
In addition to basic training, investing in specific certifications — such as Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLC programming, ABB or Fanuc robot maintenance, and SCADA systems — can place the professional in an even more valued position.
The Future of Automation and the Role of Technicians
Experts point out that automation in Brazil is still in a growth phase and should expand to sectors such as logistics, health, and agribusiness. This means that the demand for qualified technicians tends to increase, and those who train now will reap benefits for decades.
For industrial economist Marcos Rabelo, “the specialized technician is now a strategic asset for the industry, and their absence may compromise Brazil’s competitiveness on the global stage.”
The challenge is set: investing in professional training is not only an opportunity for young people and workers transitioning careers but also an urgent necessity to keep Brazilian industry competitive against international powers.
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