As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Machine Operator III in Arlington, VA is $54,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
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, skills, 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 | $39,485 |
| Intermediate SMT Machine Operator | 1-3 years | $48,962 |
| SMT Machine Operator III | 3-5 years | $54,458 |
What Am I Worth?
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
|
$100,751 |
85%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$66,441 |
22%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$62,629 |
15%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$60,451 |
11%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$59,361 |
9%
|
|
Visual Inspection
|
$59,361 |
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 $61,441. While startup companies pay approximate $52,004.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,004 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $54,988 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,339 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,441 |
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 | $57,183 | $27.0 | 5% |
| MFG Nondurable | $57,183 | $27.0 | 5% |
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 August 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 | $61,100 | 12% |
| Expert Machinist | $80,800 | 48% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator IV | $78,600 | 44% |
| Packing Line Operations Supervisor | $93,100 | 71% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current SMT Machine Operator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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