Small automation integrator with a panel shop

Design, build and install control panels and automated cells for local manufacturers from a small shop with a few staff.

Robotic arm assembling parts on a modern automated factory production line.
Startup cost$25k to $100k
Monthly revenue$10k to $50k
Time needed40+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

63,233 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.0% in a year

NAICS 541330 “Engineering services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small shop that designs and builds control panels, wires them and programs them. You then install and start up the systems at customers' plants. Work ranges from adding sensors and conveyors to automating a single workstation.

Your first three steps

  1. Line up two or three anchor customers or an integrator partner who will send you panel or programming work before signing a lease
  2. Price out a small shop space, bench tools, test equipment and parts supplier accounts
  3. Talk to your state licensing board and an insurance broker about licensing and coverage for design and installation work
Who pays

Local manufacturers, packaging lines, machine builders and warehouses that want to automate a task but lack in-house engineers.

How it makes money

Fixed-price or quoted projects covering design, parts markup, labor and commissioning, plus service contracts and upgrades.

Skills that help
  • Control system design and PLC programming
  • Electrical panel wiring
  • Quoting and project management
  • Hiring and supervising technicians
Watch out for
  • Many states or cities require an electrical contractor license for installation, so check before taking installation jobs
  • Panel building may need UL 508A listing for customers to accept your panels, so check what your customers require
  • General liability, professional liability and workers' compensation insurance once you hire
  • Robot and machine safety standards and OSHA requirements, which may call for risk assessments
  • Cash flow, since parts are paid up front and customers may pay late

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an automation integrator business?

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your shop setup, tools and parts stock. Parts are paid up front and customers may pay late, so cash flow needs careful planning.

What licenses or standards should I check for panel building?

Check whether your state or city requires an electrical contractor license for installation jobs. Also check whether customers require UL 508A listing for panels, OSHA and machine safety requirements, and insurance, including workers' compensation once you hire.

How much can a small automation integrator earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and number of projects you take on. Work can range from adding sensors and conveyors to automating a single workstation.

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Photo: jarmoluk on Pixabay

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