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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? (2025)

As of November 01, 2025, 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): $53,288
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,200 to $49,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,285
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View as table View as graph 25% $40,200 10% $36,285 90% $53,288 75% $49,100 $44,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $49,100 $4,092 $944 $24
Average $44,500 $3,708 $856 $21
25th Percentile $40,200 $3,350 $773 $19
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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 your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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-Level (less than 1 year): $43,088
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,216
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,843
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $46,766
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,903
Levels Salary
Entry Level Intermediate SMT Machine Operator $43,088
Intermediate Level Intermediate SMT Machine Operator $43,216
Senior Level Intermediate SMT Machine Operator $44,843
Specialist Level Intermediate SMT Machine Operator $46,766
Expert Level Intermediate SMT Machine Operator $46,903
$43,088 0 yr
$43,216 < 2 yrs
$44,843 2-4 yrs
$46,766 5-8 yrs
$46,903 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

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:

  • California: $49,100.
  • Massachusetts: $48,400.
  • New Jersey: $48,200

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
High School 42.9%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
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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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Intermediate SMT Machine Operators

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$42,067
2024
$42,218
2025
$42,104
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $42,067
2024 $42,218
2025 $42,104
2026
View More

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 69.8%
Bonuses -1.7%
Social Security 5.2%
401k/403b 3.1%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 10.0%
Pension 3.8%
Time Off 8.4%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $44,500 69.8%
Bonus $-1,100 -1.7%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $3,320 5.2%
401K/403B $1,953 3.1%
Disability $911 1.4%
Healthcare $6,384 10.0%
Pension $2,430 3.8%
Time Off $5,342 8.4%
Total Compensation $63,740 100%
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Most common benefits for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

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

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FAQ about Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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