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Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III in the United States is $49,455 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,501
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,773 to $55,237
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,510
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 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 III 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): $35,858
  • 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 IIIs 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,757.
  • California: $54,549.
  • Massachusetts: $53,822.

Top Paying Cities for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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: $62,378
  • San Francisco: $61,695
  • Oakland: $60,394

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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.96%
Bill of Materials 2.64%
Equipment Operation 1.76%
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 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 $91,492
85%
Teamwork $60,335
22%
Written Communication $56,873
15%
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Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Surface Mount Tech 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 $55,794. While startup companies pay approximate $47,225.

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,225
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,934
Established 501~5000 $53,886
Enterprise 5000+ $55,794

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

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

The top paying industries for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$51,928$25.05%
MFG Nondurable$51,928$25.05%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $44,747 and $47,925.

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%
View as Graph

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$44,773
Average $49,455/year
$55,237
$3,731
Average $4,121/month
$4,603
$861
Average $951/week
$1,062
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,237 $4,603 $1,062 $27
Average $49,455 $4,121 $951 $24
25th Percentile $44,773 $3,731 $861 $22

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surface Mount Tech 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
Machine Operator IV $55,445 12%
Machinist IV $73,364 48%
CNC Machine Operator IV $71,330 44%
Packaging Supervisor $84,517 71%

Most common benefits for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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

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FAQ about Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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

A Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is $62,378.

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

The highest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is $60,501.

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

The lowest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is $40,510.

4. 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.

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

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 5% 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.

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