As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surface Mount Operator in the United States is $44,389 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Surface Mount Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surface Mount 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Surface Mount Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Surface Mount Operator | $42,623 |
| Intermediate Level Surface Mount Operator | $42,752 |
| Senior Level Surface Mount Operator | $44,388 |
| Specialist Level Surface Mount Operator | $46,306 |
| Expert Level Surface Mount Operator | $46,443 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.59% |
| Bill of Materials | 2.69% |
| Equipment Operation | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,930 |
26%
|
|
Monitoring Progress
|
$53,266 |
20%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$52,822 |
19%
|
|
Written English
|
$51,935 |
17%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,827 |
10%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$47,496 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surface Mount Operators 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 Operator with a No Diploma is between $38,642 and $42,235).
Surface Mount Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 42.9% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 28.6% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Surface Mount 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Surface Mount Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $41,672 in 2023 to around $41,708 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surface Mount Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,672 |
| 2024 | $41,822 |
| 2025 | $41,708 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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