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SMT Machine Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a SMT Machine Operator I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator I in the United States is $35,860 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,114
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $32,900 to $38,610
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $30,205
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View as table View as graph 25% $32,900 10% $30,205 90% $41,114 75% $38,610 $35,860 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

SMT Machine Operator I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $38,610 $3,218 $743 $19
Average $35,860 $2,988 $690 $17
25th Percentile $32,900 $2,742 $633 $16
Check out SMT Machine Operator I Job Openings in the United States
Machine Operator

LSI Industries, Inc. - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

Coin Wrap, Inc - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

PPC Flex - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

Acloche-Gahanna - Columbus, OH

Search More SMT Machine Operator I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence SMT Machine Operator I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects SMT Machine Operator Salaries?

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:

  • SMT Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $35,858
  • Intermediate SMT Machine Operator (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Senior SMT Machine Operator (3-5 years): $49,455
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
SMT Machine Operator I0-1 years$35,858
Intermediate SMT Machine Operator1-3 years$44,464
Senior SMT Machine Operator3-5 years$49,455
$35,858 SMT Machi...
$44,464 Intermedi...
$49,455 Senior SM...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for SMT Machine Operator Is

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: $45,230
  • San Francisco: $44,740
  • Oakland: $43,790

What Skills Can Increase a SMT Machine Operator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.83% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 3.4% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.83%
Continuous Improvement 3.4%
Inventory Control 2.13%
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 a SMT Machine Operator I's salary.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Inventory Control: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Oral Communication
$43,749
22%
Inventory Control
$41,956
17%
Initiative
$38,729
8%
Innovation
$38,012
6%
ISO
$37,653
5%
Assembler
$36,936
3%
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SMT Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

SMT Machine Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $40,457. While startup companies pay approximate $34,243.

SMT Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$34,243
Growth Stage51~500$36,208
Established501~5000$39,073
Enterprise5000+$40,457

SMT Machine Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For SMT Machine Operator I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Chemicals, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, SMT Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view SMT Machine Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a SMT Machine Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Chemicals$46,618$22.030%

How Education impacts a SMT Machine Operator I's Salary?

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

Typical Education for SMT Machine Operator I
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%
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SMT Machine Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026

SMT Machine Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a SMT Machine Operator I, 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.

SMT Machine Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extruder Operator II $54,600 52%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,600 36%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 27%
Milling Machine Technician II $46,900 31%

Salary Trends for SMT Machine Operator I

Salaries 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, .

Average Annual Salary of SMT Machine Operator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,256
2024 $37,980
2025 $37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for SMT Machine Operator I

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

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

Find Your Next SMT Machine Operator I Job

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.

United States
  • Trillium Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Trillium Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Trillium Staffing - - Responsibilities: Operate punch presses to fabricate copper bar. Read blueprints and specifications. Use measuring and inspection too... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Synerfac Technical Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Synerfac Technical Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Join a growing team in Columbus, Ohio and build your future with a company shaping the automotive industry through precis... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Luxor Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Luxor Staffing | Columbus, OH

    2756 S Hamilton Rd - [Equipment Operator] - Weekly Pay (Direct Deposit/Onsite Check Delivery) / ACA Compliant Healthcare Benefits (Dental + Vision Coverage... more

    5 Days Ago

  • LSI Industries, Inc.

    Columbus, OH

    LSI Industries, Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH AN INDUSTRY LEADER. Headquartered in Cincinnati, LSI is a publicly held company traded over the NA... more

    1 Day Ago

  • PrideStaff

    Columbus, OH

    PrideStaff | Columbus, OH

    PrideStaff - - Responsibilities: Operate and troubleshoot production machines to meet daily output goals. Inspect finished products for quality and adheren... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Aerotek

    Columbus, OH

    Aerotek | Columbus, OH

    Aerotek - - Responsibilities: Operate wire mesh production equipment. Set up machines for production runs. Read blueprints and technical drawings. Perform ... more

    3 Days Ago

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FAQ about SMT Machine Operator I

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

The Chemicals industry offers the highest average compensation for SMT Machine Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the best paid machine operator job?

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.

3. Is machine operator a skilled job?

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.

4. What operators get paid the most?

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.

5. What is the highest paid technician?

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.

6. What is a SMT job?

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.

7. How much do CNC machine operators make in the US?

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.

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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