As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator II in the United States is $44,470 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a SMT Machine Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A SMT Machine Operator II'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 II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry SMT Machine Operator | 0-1 years | $35,863 |
| SMT Machine Operator II | 1-3 years | $44,464 |
| Senior SMT Machine Operator | 3-5 years | $49,453 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.59% |
| Bill of Materials | 2.69% |
| Equipment Operation | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$56,032 |
26%
|
|
Monitoring Progress
|
$53,364 |
20%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$52,919 |
19%
|
|
Written English
|
$52,030 |
17%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,917 |
10%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$47,583 |
7%
|
SMT Machine Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,082. While startup companies pay approximate $42,382.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $42,382 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,814 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $48,370 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $50,082 |
For SMT Machine Operator II 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, SMT Machine Operator positions in Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view SMT Machine Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $48,917 | $24.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many SMT Machine Operator IIs 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 II with a No Diploma is between $38,507 and $42,086).
SMT Machine Operator II Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a SMT Machine Operator II'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a SMT Machine Operator II, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,700 | 28% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,600 | 16% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 48% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $62,800 | 41% |
Salaries for a SMT Machine Operator II 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 SMT Machine Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for SMT Machine Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
SMT Machine Operators typically earn between $36,440 and $47,460 annually, with a median salary of $42,660. While some cities like San Francisco and Santa Clara offer higher salaries, the overall range reflects the industry standard for this role.
The top pay for a SMT Machine Operator is $47,460 annually. The average salary is around $42,660, while the minimum salary starts at $36,440. This reflects a competitive wage range for skilled machine operators in the industry.
SMT Machine Operators typically earn between $36,440 and $47,460 annually, with a median salary of around $42,660. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $17.52 to $22.78, depending on experience and specific job responsibilities.
An SMT technician is responsible for programming, debugging, setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment such as Pick & Place machines, reflow ovens, and screen printers. They develop and execute setup procedures for work orders and troubleshoot to identify and document defects in products or processes. The salary for this role ranges from $36,440 to $47,460, with a mid-point of $42,660.
The highest salary that a Machine Operator can earn is ₹4.74 Lakhs per year (₹39.5k per month).
The best-paid machine operator jobs typically offer salaries ranging from £36,440 to £47,460 annually, with a mid-salary of £42,660. In the UK, cities like Worksop, Coventry, and Telford provide competitive hourly rates, but overall, the annual salary range reflects the potential for higher earnings in this field.
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.)
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