As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator I in the United States is $35,910 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a SMT Machine Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A SMT Machine Operator I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a SMT Machine Operator I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level SMT Machine Operator I | $35,696 |
| Intermediate Level SMT Machine Operator I | $36,001 |
| Senior Level SMT Machine Operator I | $36,605 |
| Specialist Level SMT Machine Operator I | $36,726 |
| Expert Level SMT Machine Operator I | $36,807 |
What Am I Worth?
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 SMT Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many SMT Machine Operator Is 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 a SMT Machine Operator I with a No Diploma is between $28,160 and $31,633.
SMT Machine Operator I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 9.1% |
| High School | 45.5% |
| Associates | 36.4% |
| Masters | 9.1% |
Understanding how a SMT Machine Operator I'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, 2025Salaries for a SMT Machine Operator I 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 SMT Machine Operator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $38,256 |
| 2024 | $37,980 |
| 2025 | $37,727 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $35,910 | 68.2% |
| Bonus | $-890 | -1.7% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $2,679 | 5.1% |
| 401K/403B | $1,576 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $735 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $6,384 | 12.1% |
| Pension | $1,961 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $4,310 | 8.2% |
| Total Compensation | $52,666 | 100% |
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current SMT Machine Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The best-paid machine operator jobs typically offer salaries ranging from £28,420 to £38,830 annually. In the UK, cities like Worksop, Coventry, and Telford provide competitive hourly rates, with Worksop averaging £13.65 per hour. This translates to an annual salary that aligns with the mid to high range for SMT Machine Operators.
Machine operator positions are indeed skilled jobs. They require 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 from $28,420 to $38,830, this role reflects the expertise and professionalism needed in the industry.
Operators with higher salaries include Winch Truck Drivers earning between $53,500 and $72,000, Crane Operators making $45,000 to $69,000, and Yard Managers with salaries from $40,500 to $64,500. In comparison, SMT Machine Operators have a salary range of $28,420 to $38,830, with a mid-salary of $34,010.
The highest paid technician roles typically include positions such as avionics technician and engineering technician, with salaries ranging from $28,420 to $38,830 annually. The median salary for these roles is approximately $34,010, reflecting the demand and skill level required in these technical fields.
An SMT operator monitors and maintains equipment used to create electronic circuits with surface mount technology (SMT). Your primary job duties involve operating an SMT machine to mount electronic components directly onto circuit boards. The salary for this position ranges from $28,420 to $38,830, with a mid-range salary of $34,010.
CNC machine operators in the US earn between $28,420 and $38,830 annually, with a median salary of $34,010. This reflects a range of experience and skill levels in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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