Hourly Wage for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III?

As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III in the United States is $24, which translates to an annual salary of about $49,445.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $29 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $22 to $27 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $20 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $22 10% $20 90% $29 75% $27 $24 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $55,197 $4,600 $1,061 $27
Average $49,445 $4,120 $951 $24
25th Percentile $44,798 $3,733 $862 $22
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Key Factors That Influence Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salaries

A Surface Mount Tech 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.

How Experience Level Affects Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Surface Mount Tech 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:

  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $35,878
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $49,445
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I0-1 years$35,878
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II1-3 years$44,464
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III3-5 years$49,445
$35,878 Surface M...
$44,464 Surface M...
$49,445 Surface M...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator IIIs

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: $62,365
  • San Francisco: $61,752
  • Oakland: $60,382

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.96% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Bill of Materials (Mentioned in 2.64% 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 1.76% 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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.96%
Bill of Materials 2.64%
Equipment Operation 1.76%
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 III's salary.
  • Service Excellence: Can increase your salary by up to 85%.
  • Teamwork: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Service Excellence
 $91,473
85%
Teamwork
 $60,323
22%
Written Communication
 $56,862
15%
Communication Skills
 $54,884
11%
Oral Communication
 $53,895
9%
Visual Inspection
 $53,895
9%
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How Education impacts a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surface Mount Tech 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 Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III with a No Diploma is between $43,575 and $46,839).

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III
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%
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Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Surface Mount Tech 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on April 01, 2026
$44,798
Average $49,445/year
$55,197
$3,733
Average $4,120/month
$4,600
$862
Average $951/week
$1,061
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,197 $4,600 $1,061 $27
Average $49,445 $4,120 $951 $24
25th Percentile $44,798 $3,733 $862 $22

Salaries of jobs related to Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Salary Trends for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Salaries for a Surface Mount Tech 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 Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$47,491
2024
$47,355
2025
$47,039
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $47,491
2024 $47,355
2025 $47,039
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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FAQ about Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

1. What are the responsibilities of Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III?

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 require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

2. What are the skills of Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

1.)

Problem Solving: Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.

2.)

Bill of Materials: Applying tools, methods, and practices in creating a list of raw materials, components, and instructions required to create a product.

3.)

Equipment Operation: 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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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