Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II in the United States is $44,464 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,414
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,079 to $49,149
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,087
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salaries

A Surface Mount Tech 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.

How Experience Level Affects Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Surface Mount Tech 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:

  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $35,858
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $49,455
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I0-1 years$35,858
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II1-3 years$44,464
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III3-5 years$49,455
View as Graph

How Do Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator IIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,231.
  • California: $49,044.
  • Massachusetts: $48,390.

Top Paying Cities for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

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: $56,082
  • San Francisco: $55,468
  • Oakland: $54,299

What Skills Can Increase a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.59% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Bill of Materials (Mentioned in 2.69% Job Postings): Applying tools, methods, and practices in creating a list of raw materials, components, and instructions required to create a product.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.59%
Bill of Materials 2.69%
Equipment Operation 1.79%
See More Skills

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 Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II's salary.

  • Customer Satisfaction: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Monitoring Progress: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Effective Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Customer Satisfaction $56,025
26%
Monitoring Progress $53,357
20%
Effective Communication $52,912
19%
Get Latest Data

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Surface Mount Tech 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 $50,163. While startup companies pay approximate $42,459.

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,459
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,895
Established 501~5000 $48,448
Enterprise 5000+ $50,163

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Surface Mount Tech 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, Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator positions in Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$48,910$24.010%

How Education impacts an Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $39,932 and $43,131.

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II
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%
View as Graph

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Surface Mount Tech 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 August 01, 2026
$40,079
Average $44,464/year
$49,149
$3,340
Average $3,705/month
$4,096
$771
Average $855/week
$945
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,149 $4,096 $945 $24
Average $44,464 $3,705 $855 $21
25th Percentile $40,079 $3,340 $771 $19

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surface Mount Tech 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
Injection Molding Machine Operator III $56,658 27%
Machine Operator III $51,598 16%
Machinist III $65,768 48%
CNC Machine Operator III $62,731 41%

Most common benefits for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

Here are companies hiring for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II

1. Where can a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II earn the most?

A Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II is $56,082.

2. What is the highest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II?

The highest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II is $53,414.

3. What is the lowest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II?

The lowest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II is $36,087.

4. What are the responsibilities of Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II?

Responsible for both automated and manual surface mount manufacturing. Responsible for set-up, operation, and adjustment of SMT equipment. Monitors and maintains equipment to meet company standards. Responsible for quality assurance and documentation. May be responsible for occasional SMT repair. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II?

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job