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Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator make in the United States?

As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator in the United States is $44,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,288
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,200 to $49,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,285
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View as table View as graph 25% $40,200 10% $36,285 90% $53,288 75% $49,100 $44,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $49,100 $4,092 $944 $24
Average $44,500 $3,708 $856 $21
25th Percentile $40,200 $3,350 $773 $19
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Key Factors That Influence Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries

An Intermediate SMT Machine 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.

How Experience Level Affects Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate SMT Machine 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:

  • Entry SMT Machine Operator (0-1 years): $35,901
  • Intermediate SMT Machine Operator (1-3 years): $44,464
  • Senior SMT Machine Operator (3-5 years): $49,434
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry SMT Machine Operator0-1 years$35,901
Intermediate SMT Machine Operator1-3 years$44,464
Senior SMT Machine Operator3-5 years$49,434
$35,901 Entry SMT...
$44,464 Intermedi...
$49,434 Senior SM...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Intermediate SMT Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $49,300.
  • California: $49,100.
  • Massachusetts: $48,400.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate SMT Machine Operators

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: $56,100
  • San Francisco: $55,600
  • Oakland: $54,300

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.59% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Bill of Materials (Mentioned in 2.69% 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 1.79% 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 3.59%
Bill of Materials 2.69%
Equipment Operation 1.79%
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 an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's salary.
  • Machine Operation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Machine Operation
$45,835
3%
Get Latest Data

How Education impacts an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate SMT Machine 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 an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator with a No Diploma is between $38,567 and $42,118).

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator
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%
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Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate SMT Machine 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 May 18, 2021

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator, 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.

Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III $56,600 27%
Production Machine Operator III $51,600 16%
General Machinist III $65,700 48%
CNC Laser Machine Operator II $62,600 41%

Salary Trends for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

Salaries for an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate SMT Machine Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Intermediate SMT Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$42,067
2024
$42,218
2025
$42,104
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $42,067
2024 $42,218
2025 $42,104
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate SMT Machine Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate SMT Machine Operator

1. Is machine operator a good job?

Overall, a career as a machine operator offers a diverse range of opportunities for individuals who enjoy working with machinery, contributing to the production process, and working in a dynamic manufacturing environment. With salaries ranging from $36,500 to $47,500, it provides a competitive income that can grow with experience and skill development.

2. What is the highest salary for a machine operator?

The highest salary that an Intermediate SMT Machine Operator can earn is ₹47,500 per year (₹3,958 per month).

3. What is the highest paid operator salary?

The highest paid Intermediate SMT Machine Operator earns a maximum salary of $47,500. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $36,500, with a mid-level salary of $42,700. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled operators in the industry.

4. What is the career progression of a machine operator?

With experience and expertise, machine operators can progress to advanced roles. They often transition into setup or machinery maintenance positions, with potential earnings ranging from $36,500 to $47,500. Setup workers may advance to become industrial machinery mechanics, machinists, or tool and die makers, enhancing their skills and salary potential.

5. What does an SMT technician do?

An SMT technician programs, debugs, sets up, operates, and maintains equipment like Pick & Place machines, reflow ovens, and screen printers. They develop and execute setup/changeover procedures for work orders and troubleshoot to identify and document defects in products or processes. The salary for this role ranges from $36,500 to $47,500, with a midpoint of $42,700.

6. How much do SMT technicians make?

SMT technicians typically earn between $36,500 and $47,500 annually, with a median salary of around $42,700. While some cities like Sunnyvale, CA, offer higher salaries, the general pay range reflects the skills and experience required for the role.

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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