Best PLC Programming Book: Top 10 Reads of 2026
Note: Updated For 2026
Books can teach you a lot about PLC programming, from ladder logic and structured text to working with specific platforms such as the Siemens S7-1200.
The collection below brings together the best PLC programming books. Some are free PDF downloads; others are sold as printed books or e-books.
I selected these books to help you choose from the many PLC programming titles available and spend your time and money on resources you can learn from.
You will find many types of PLC programming books online. Most cover PLC programming in general, including how a PLC works and how to use its programming languages. One common subject is ladder logic, probably the best language for beginners to start with.
Books cost less than online PLC training courses, which can be expensive. Typically priced between $5 and $40, books let you build your knowledge at a lower cost.
The authors also bring decades of practical experience in PLC programming and automation to these books, with knowledge of real applications and solutions.
There are currently far more books about PLC programming than online courses.
These are my choices for the best PLC programming books. If you recommend a book I have not included, leave a comment below or contact me.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best PLC Programming Books
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best For Beginners
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Introduction to PLCs |
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Check Price |
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For PLC Technicians
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Technician's Guide to Programmable Controllers |
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Check Price |
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For Allen Bradley PLCs
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PLC Programming Using RSLogix 5000: Understanding Ladder Logic and the Studio 5000 Platform |
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Check Price |
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For Structured Text Programming
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PLC Controls with Structured Text (ST), V3: IEC 61131-3 and best practice ST programming |
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Check Price |
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For Siemens PLCs
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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Tutorial, Siemens Simatic S7-1200 |
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Check Price |
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For RSLogix 500
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PLC Programming Using RSLogix 500: A Practical Guide to Ladder Logic and the RSLogix 500 Environment |
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Check Price |
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PLC Programming Using RSLogix 500: Basic Concepts of Ladder Logic Programming |
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Introduction to PLCs: A beginner's guide to Programmable Logic Controllers |
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Programming Plcs Using Rockwell Automation Controllers |
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Check Price |
Best Book for PLC Technicians
- Programmable, Controllers, Technician, Guid
- Borden, Terry (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 416 Pages - 01/27/2012 (Publication Date) - Cengage Learning (Publisher)
For technicians who work with PLCs regularly, or new technicians who will be doing so, I strongly recommend the Technician’s Guide to Programmable Controllers. It can help you build your understanding of PLCs.
The book is also comprehensive enough for people with advanced PLC programming knowledge. It covers the software and the hardware side of PLCs.
Best PLC Programming Book for Beginners
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hooper, Jay (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 120 Pages - 09/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Carolina Academic Press (Publisher)
For anyone starting PLC programming from scratch, our top choice is Introduction to PLCs.
If you know that you will work only with Allen Bradley PLCs or Siemens PLCs, one of the books below will suit you better. Those books are also for beginners, rather than advanced users.
Best Allen Bradley PLC Programming Book
- Clark, Nathan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 179 Pages - 02/16/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
For Allen Bradley PLCs running RSLogix 5000, this is the best choice. The eBook is inexpensive.
For an Allen Bradley PLC running RS RSLogix 500, choose the book below. It is the best option for RS RSLogix 500.
- Clark, Nathan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 155 Pages - 10/23/2018 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Best Siemens PLC Programming Book
- Tubbs, Stephen Philip (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 178 Pages - 06/20/2016 (Publication Date) - Stephen P. Tubbs (Publisher)
Best Structured Text Programming Book
- Antonsen, Tom Mejer (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 210 Pages - 06/30/2020 (Publication Date) - Books on Demand (Publisher)
My clear first choice for learning structured text programming is PLC Controls with Structured Text (ST).
The book is available only in print. If you want a structured text programming eBook, consider the one below.
Best Structured Text Programming eBook
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Green, Curtis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 156 Pages - 01/22/2018 (Publication Date)
For a good structured text programming eBook, try The Programmable Logic Controller a Guide to Learning Structured Text Programming Quickly & Easily. Choose it if you prefer an eBook to the printed book.
(At the time of writing, you cannot get PLC Controls with Structured Text (ST) as an eBook)
Free PLC Training Books
Some PLC programming books are available as free PDF downloads. Their quality differs, but they can help you learn without spending money.
For a free alternative to these books, I recommend this ladder logic tutorial. If you want to learn structured text programming, functional block diagrams or SCADA instead, try the free guides to structured text programming, functional block diagrams (FBD) and SCADA systems.
