As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator III in the United States is $49,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a SMT Machine Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A SMT Machine Operator III'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 III'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 |
| Intermediate SMT Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $44,464 |
| SMT Machine Operator III | 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.96% |
| Bill of Materials | 2.64% |
| Equipment Operation | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Service Excellence
|
$91,501 |
85%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$60,341 |
22%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$56,879 |
15%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$54,901 |
11%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$53,911 |
9%
|
|
Visual Inspection
|
$53,911 |
9%
|
SMT Machine Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,701. While startup companies pay approximate $47,138.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,138 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,843 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,797 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,701 |
For SMT Machine Operator III roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 15% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Durable, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, SMT Machine Operator positions in Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view SMT Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $51,933 | $25.0 | 5% |
| MFG Nondurable | $51,933 | $25.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many SMT Machine Operator IIIs 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 III with a No Diploma is between $43,419 and $46,673).
SMT Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 70.0% |
| High School | 70.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 10.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a SMT Machine Operator III'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 III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Machine Operator IV | $55,500 | 12% |
| Expert Machinist | $73,400 | 48% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator III | $71,400 | 44% |
| Packing Line Operations Supervisor | $84,500 | 71% |
Salaries for a SMT Machine Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,491 in 2023 to around $47,039 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of SMT Machine Operator III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,491 |
| 2024 | $47,355 |
| 2025 | $47,039 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for SMT Machine Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
The Machine Operator III is responsible for setting up and operating complex production machinery, ensuring that the final product meets customer expectations. The salary for this position typically ranges from $41,630 to $53,460, with a mid-point salary of $47,270, reflecting the skills and experience required for the role.
A level 3 operator, or Machine Operator III, controls and adjusts machine settings for complex tasks and may assist in training other operators. They also calculate and help with numeric controlled programming. This role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a salary range of $41,630 to $53,460, depending on experience and skills.
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 $41,630 to $53,460, with a mid-range salary of $47,270.
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 $41,630 to $53,460, it can provide a stable and rewarding income for those in the field.
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 defective products or process failures. The salary for this role ranges from $41,630 to $53,460, with a mid-point of $47,270.
The best-paid machine operator jobs typically offer salaries ranging from £41,630 to £53,460 annually. In the UK, cities like Worksop, Coventry, and Telford provide competitive hourly rates, with Worksop averaging £13.65 per hour. However, the overall salary for SMT Machine Operators can vary significantly based on experience and location.
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