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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Smt Operator in California is $38,148 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Smt Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Smt Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,043 | $3,420 | $789 | $20 |
| Average | $38,148 | $3,179 | $734 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,698 | $2,892 | $667 | $17 |
JSG (Johnson Service Group, Inc.) - Milpitas, CA
FRALOCK - Milpitas, CA
Omega EMS - San Jose, CA
Sanmina-SCI - San Jose, CA
A Smt Operator'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Smt Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Smt Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Chemicals, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Smt Operator positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Smt Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals | $49,593 | $24.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Smt Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,043 | $3,420 | $789 | $20 |
| Average | $38,148 | $3,179 | $734 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,698 | $2,892 | $667 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Smt Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
OurStaff
Milpitas, CA
OurStaff | Milpitas, CA
Job DescriptionSMT Operator - Milpitas, CADay ShiftFollow safety and ESD (electro-static discharge) practices according to policies and procedures. Setup a... more
9 Days Ago
OurStaff, LLC
Milpitas, CA
OurStaff, LLC | Milpitas, CA
SMT Operator. Job Opening ID ZR_261_JOB. Job Opening Status Filled. Date Opened 05/13/2026. Industry Manufacturing. Job Type Full time. Work Experience 2+ ... more
11 Days Ago
Rocket EMS
Santa Clara, CA
Rocket EMS | Santa Clara, CA
Job Description. Job Description. SMT OperatorAbout the Role. As an SMT Operator at Rocket EMS, you will be responsible for operating and supporting surfac... more
7 Days Ago
NEOTech
Chatsworth, CA
NEOTech | Chatsworth, CA
SMT Operator I. Chatsworth, CA 91311. Overview. Salary Range $19.00 - $21.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Category Manufactur... more
9 Days Ago
Advanced Motion Controls
Camarillo, CA
Advanced Motion Controls | Camarillo, CA
Advanced Motion Controls is looking for an Entry Level SMT Operator.The hired candidate will assist with various SMT (Surface Mount Technology) operations.... more
10 Days Ago
Foxconn Industrial Internet
San Jose, CA
Foxconn Industrial Internet | San Jose, CA
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Operator. Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii) is a world-leading provider of design and manufacturing services for communicati... more
11 Days Ago
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