As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator in the United States is $44,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $49,200 | $4,100 | $946 | $24 |
| Average | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,100 | $3,342 | $771 | $19 |
An Intermediate 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 | 3.59% |
| Bill of Materials | 2.69% |
| Equipment Operation | 1.79% |
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 Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | $56,070 | |
| Monitoring Progress | $53,400 | |
| Effective Communication | $52,955 |
Intermediate 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 $50,089. While startup companies pay approximate $42,397.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,397 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,827 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,375 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,089 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate SMT Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $38,567 and $42,118).
| Typical Education for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 42.9% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 28.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Intermediate 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 | $49,200 | $4,100 | $946 | $24 |
| Average | $44,500 | $3,708 | $856 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,100 | $3,342 | $771 | $19 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,700 | 27% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,700 | 16% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 48% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator III | $62,800 | 41% |
Salaries for an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate SMT Machine Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Overall, a career as a machine operator offers a diverse range of opportunities for individuals who enjoy working with machinery, contributing to the production process, and working in a dynamic manufacturing environment. With salaries ranging from $36,500 to $47,500, it provides a competitive income that can grow with experience and skill development.
The highest salary that an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator can earn is ₹47,500 per year (₹3,958 per month).
The highest paid Intermediate SMT Machine Operator earns a maximum salary of $47,500. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $36,500, with a mid-level salary of $42,700. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled operators in the industry.
With experience and expertise, machine operators can progress to advanced roles. They often transition into setup or machinery maintenance positions, with potential earnings ranging from $36,500 to $47,500. Setup workers may advance to become industrial machinery mechanics, machinists, or tool and die makers, enhancing their skills and salary potential.
An SMT technician programs, debugs, sets up, operates, and maintains equipment like Pick & Place machines, reflow ovens, and screen printers. They develop and execute setup/changeover procedures for work orders and troubleshoot to identify and document defects in products or processes. The salary for this role ranges from $36,500 to $47,500, with a midpoint of $42,700.
SMT technicians typically earn between $36,500 and $47,500 annually, with a median salary of around $42,700. While some cities like Sunnyvale, CA, offer higher salaries, the general pay range reflects the skills and experience required for the role.
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