As of September 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:
Entry SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,600 | $3,217 | $742 | $19 |
| Average | $35,900 | $2,992 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,900 | $2,742 | $633 | $16 |
An Entry SMT Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.83% |
| Continuous Improvement | 3.4% |
| Inventory Control | 2.13% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Communication | $43,798 | |
| Inventory Control | $42,003 | |
| Initiative | $38,772 |
Entry SMT Machine Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $40,409. While startup companies pay approximate $34,204.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $34,204 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $36,163 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $39,026 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $40,409 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,600 | $3,217 | $742 | $19 |
| Average | $35,900 | $2,992 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,900 | $2,742 | $633 | $16 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,700 | 52% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,600 | 35% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,500 | 27% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $52,200 | 45% |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Chemicals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry SMT Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The highest salary that an Entry SMT Machine Operator can earn is ?38,900 per year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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