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Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary in the United States

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

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,479
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,100 to $49,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,094

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries

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.

How Do Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Intermediate SMT Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,300.
  • California: $49,100.
  • Massachusetts: $48,400.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $56,100
  • San Francisco: $55,500
  • Oakland: $54,300

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.59% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Bill of Materials (Mentioned in 2.69% Job Postings): Applying tools, methods, and practices in creating a list of raw materials, components, and instructions required to create a product.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.59%
Bill of Materials 2.69%
Equipment Operation 1.79%

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 Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's salary.

  • Customer Satisfaction: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Monitoring Progress: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Effective Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Customer Satisfaction $56,070
26%
Monitoring Progress $53,400
20%
Effective Communication $52,955
19%

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary by Company Size

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

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate SMT Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Durable, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Intermediate SMT Machine Operator positions in Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Intermediate SMT Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$48,950$24.010%

How Education impacts an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's Salary?

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).

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$40,100
Average $44,500/year
$49,200
$3,342
Average $3,708/month
$4,100
$771
Average $856/week
$946
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
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

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

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

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FAQ about Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator?

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Is machine operator a good job?

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.

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

The highest salary that an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator can earn is ₹47,500 per year (₹3,958 per month).

4. What is the highest paid operator salary?

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.

5. What is the career progression of a machine operator?

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.

6. What does an SMT technician do?

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.

7. How much do SMT technicians make?

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.

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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