Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Salary in Appleton, WI

How much does a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III make in Appleton, WI?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III in Appleton, WI is $47,831 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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): $58,128
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,352 to $53,221
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,273
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View as table View as graph 25% $43,352 10% $39,273 90% $58,128 75% $53,221 $47,831 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 $53,221 $4,435 $1,023 $26
Average $47,831 $3,986 $920 $23
25th Percentile $43,352 $3,613 $834 $21
Check out Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III Job Openings in Appleton, WI
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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, skills 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $45,826
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,160
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $46,828
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $49,440
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,888
Levels Salary
Entry Level Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III$45,826
Intermediate Level Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III$46,160
Senior Level Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III$46,828
Specialist Level Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III$49,440
Expert Level Surface Mount Tech Machine Operator III$50,888
$45,826 0 yr
$46,160 < 2 yrs
$46,828 2-4 yrs
$49,440 5-8 yrs
$50,888 > 8 yrs
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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: $62,356
  • San Francisco: $61,743
  • Oakland: $60,374

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
 $88,488
85%
Teamwork
 $58,354
22%
Written Communication
 $55,006
15%
Communication Skills
 $53,093
11%
Oral Communication
 $52,136
9%
Visual Inspection
 $52,136
9%
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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 January 01, 2026
$43,352
Average $47,831/year
$53,221
$3,613
Average $3,986/month
$4,435
$834
Average $920/week
$1,023
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,221 $4,435 $1,023 $26
Average $47,831 $3,986 $920 $23
25th Percentile $43,352 $3,613 $834 $21

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 $63,035 32%
Machinist IV $70,893 48%
CNC Machine Operator III $68,938 44%
Packaging Supervisor $81,642 71%

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