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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator I in Pennsylvania is $35,700 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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SMT Machine Operator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,430 | $3,203 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,700 | $2,975 | $687 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,750 | $2,729 | $630 | $16 |
Bell and Evans - Fredericksburg, PA
Mersen USA Holding Corp - Robesonia, PA
Valley Extrusions - Easton, PA
Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC - Sharon, PA
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, 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| SMT Machine Operator I | 0-1 years | $35,697 |
| Intermediate SMT Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $44,264 |
| Senior SMT Machine Operator | 3-5 years | $49,232 |
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:
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:
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 $40,276. While startup companies pay approximate $34,090.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $34,090 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $36,046 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $38,899 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $40,276 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals | $46,410 | $22.0 | 30% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,430 | $3,203 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,700 | $2,975 | $687 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,750 | $2,729 | $630 | $16 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Extruder Operator II | $54,400 | 52% |
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | $48,300 | 35% |
| Intermediate Machine Operator | $45,300 | 27% |
| Milling Machine Technician II | $46,700 | 31% |
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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