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Entry SMT Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry SMT Machine Operator make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry SMT Machine Operator in the United States is $35,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, an Entry SMT Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,249
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,000 to $38,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $30,360
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View as table View as graph 25% $33,000 10% $30,360 90% $41,249 75% $38,700 $35,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Entry SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $38,700 $3,225 $744 $19
Average $35,900 $2,992 $690 $17
25th Percentile $33,000 $2,750 $635 $16
Check out Entry SMT Machine Operator Job Openings in the United States
Manufacturing Machine Operator

Kennametal Inc - Orwell Village, OH

Manufacturing Machine Operator

Kennametal Inc - Orwell Village, OH

Machine Operator

PrideStaff - Streetsboro, OH

Manufacturing Machine Operator

Kennametal Inc - Orwell Village, OH

Search More Entry SMT Machine Operator Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Entry SMT Machine Operator Salaries

An Entry SMT Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry SMT Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry SMT Machine Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry SMT Machine Operator (0-1 years): $35,878
  • Intermediate SMT Machine Operator (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Senior SMT Machine Operator (3-5 years): $49,445
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry SMT Machine Operator0-1 years$35,878
Intermediate SMT Machine Operator1-3 years$44,464
Senior SMT Machine Operator3-5 years$49,445
$35,878 Entry SMT...
$44,464 Intermedi...
$49,445 Senior SM...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Entry SMT Machine Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $45,300
  • San Francisco: $44,900
  • Oakland: $43,900

What Skills Can Increase an Entry SMT Machine Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.83% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 3.4% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.83%
Continuous Improvement 3.4%
Inventory Control 2.13%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry SMT Machine Operator's salary.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Inventory Control: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Oral Communication
$43,798
22%
Inventory Control
$42,003
17%
Initiative
$38,772
8%
Innovation
$38,054
6%
ISO
$37,695
5%
Assembler
$36,977
3%
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How Education impacts an Entry SMT Machine Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry SMT Machine Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry SMT Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $28,200 and $31,648).

Entry SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry SMT Machine Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 9.1%
High School 45.5%
Associates 36.4%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 9.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Entry SMT Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry SMT Machine Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

Entry SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry SMT Machine Operator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Entry SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extruder Operator II $54,600 52%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,500 35%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 27%
Milling Machine Technician II $46,900 31%

Salary Trends for Entry SMT Machine Operator

Salaries for an Entry SMT Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry SMT Machine Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Entry SMT Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,256
2024 $37,980
2025 $37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Entry SMT Machine Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Entry SMT Machine Operator

Here are companies hiring for Entry SMT Machine Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry SMT Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Entry SMT Machine Operator

1. What is the highest salary for a machine operator?

The highest salary that an Entry SMT Machine Operator can earn is ?38,900 per year.

2. Is machine operator a good job?

Overall, a career as a machine operator can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $28,500 to $38,900. This role offers diverse opportunities for those who enjoy working with machinery and contributing to the production process in a dynamic manufacturing environment. The mid-salary of $34,100 reflects a solid earning potential in this field.

3. Is machine operator a skilled job?

Yes, machine operator is a skilled job. These roles demand physical strength and manual dexterity to handle heavy machinery effectively. Operators fine-tune and adjust machine calibrations to enhance efficiency and accuracy. With a salary range of $28,500 to $38,900, this profession reflects the expertise and responsibility required in operating complex equipment.

4. What is the highest paid operator's salary?

The highest paid Entry SMT Machine Operator can earn up to ?38,900 annually. In comparison, the average salaries in nearby cities are lower, with Pasig at ?21,121, Taguig at ?21,083, and Manila at ?20,764 per month. This highlights the competitive salary range for operators in the region.

5. What is the difference between a machinist and a machine operator?

The primary difference between a machinist and a machine operator lies in their skill levels and responsibilities. Machine operators typically handle the operation of machinery and may be considered entry-level, earning between $28,500 and $38,900 annually. In contrast, machinists possess more advanced skills and experience, often overseeing and guiding operators in their tasks.

6. What is the going rate for a machine operator?

The going rate for an Entry SMT Machine Operator typically ranges from £28,500 to £38,900 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately £34,100. This reflects the current market for machine operators, providing a clear picture of expected earnings in this role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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