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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SMT Process Engineer in California is $95,256 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a SMT Process Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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SMT Process Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,470 | $8,622 | $1,990 | $50 |
| Average | $95,256 | $7,938 | $1,832 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,888 | $7,324 | $1,690 | $42 |
Omega EMS - San Jose, CA
K2 Space - Los Angeles, CA
Rantec Microwave Systems, Inc. - Thousand Oaks, CA
Silicon Resourcing Solutions, LLC. - Ventura, CA
A SMT Process Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a SMT Process Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| SMT Proce... Level SMT Process Engineer | $94,652 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $108,478 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $120,409 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $147,181 |
| Process E... Level SMT Process Engineer | $128,403 |
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 SMT Process Engineers. 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 Process Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, SMT Process Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SMT Process Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $114,307 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $109,545 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $104,782 | $50.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $104,782 | $50.0 | 10% |
| Telecom | $104,782 | $50.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a SMT Process Engineer'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 | $103,470 | $8,622 | $1,990 | $50 |
| Average | $95,256 | $7,938 | $1,832 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,888 | $7,324 | $1,690 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current SMT Process Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Carrot Recruitment
Sacramento, CA
Carrot Recruitment | Sacramento, CA
Manufacturing Process Engineer – Medical Device Contract Manufacturing. We've partnered with a reputable medical device contract manufacturer, based in the... more
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San Jose, CA
Sierra Circuits inc. | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in hig... more
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Nichols Farms
Hanford, CA
Nichols Farms | Hanford, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than three decades, Nichols Farms... more
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Kinder's
Walnut Creek, CA
Kinder's | Walnut Creek, CA
Job Description. Job Description. BUILT ON FLAVOR. FUELED BY PEOPLE. What's it like to work at Kinder's. Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out ov... more
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ZM Trucks
San Bernardino County, CA
ZM Trucks | San Bernardino County, CA
Job Overview. ZO Motors is seeking a Senior Process Engineer that will play a pivotal role in optimizing and improving manufacturing processes to enhance e... more
7 Days Ago
One Stop Systems Inc
Escondido, CA
One Stop Systems Inc | Escondido, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer. Company. One Stop Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSS). Headquarters Location fo... more
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