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 March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III in the United States is $49,443 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): $60,615
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,833 to $55,291
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,636
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View as table View as graph 25% $44,833 10% $40,636 90% $60,615 75% $55,291 $49,443 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 $55,291 $4,608 $1,063 $27
Average $49,443 $4,120 $951 $24
25th Percentile $44,833 $3,736 $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): $35,883
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $49,443
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator I0-1 years$35,883
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator II1-3 years$44,464
Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III3-5 years$49,443
$35,883 Surface M...
$44,464 Surface M...
$49,443 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: $62,362
  • San Francisco: $61,749
  • Oakland: $60,380

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
 $91,470
85%
Teamwork
 $60,320
22%
Written Communication
 $56,859
15%
Communication Skills
 $54,882
11%
Oral Communication
 $53,893
9%
Visual Inspection
 $53,893
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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$44,833
Average $49,443/year
$55,291
$3,736
Average $4,120/month
$4,608
$862
Average $951/week
$1,063
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,291 $4,608 $1,063 $27
Average $49,443 $4,120 $951 $24
25th Percentile $44,833 $3,736 $862 $22

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III
Machine Operator IV
Machinist IV
CNC Machine Operator III
Packaging Supervisor
Machine Operator Supervisor
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I
Packaging Manager

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.

Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator IV $55,474 12%
Machinist IV $73,301 48%
CNC Machine Operator III $71,276 44%
Packaging Supervisor $84,424 71%

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Most common benefits for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III

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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 $62,362.

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

The highest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is $60,615.

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

The lowest pay for Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III is $40,636.

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.

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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