How To Become An SMT Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an smt operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Surface mount technology (SMT) operators are tasked with monitoring and maintaining all the equipment used in the course of creating SMT electronic circuits. But their primary task is to install electronic components onto a circuit board. This job requires a high educational qualification to qualify; you need at least a Bachelor's degree in electronics or electrical design or equivalent. You can as well consider a Master's degree in the same field to increase your chances.

Some of the skills you need in this job include strong knowledge of electronics, good eye-hand coordination, dexterity, ability to perform repetitive actions, teamwork, accuracy, and computer competencies. As for the salary structure, it depends on the size of the organization, the country you work in, and your experience on the job. In the United States, an average SMT Operator earns between $31,294 and $38,000.

ScoreSMT OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,647

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.86%

Asian 7.72%

Black or African American 11.83%

Hispanic or Latino 20.49%

Unknown 4.23%

White 54.88%

Gender

female 29.03%

male 70.97%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Key steps to become an smt operator

Explore smt operator education requirements

Most common smt operator degrees

Associate

31.6 %

High School Diploma

29.9 %

Bachelor's

22.2 %

Start to develop specific smt operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	8.36%
PCB	6.14%
Reflow Oven	5.87%
Troubleshoot	5.18%
IPC-A-610	5.00%

Research smt operator duties and responsibilities

Lead pace lines in packaging OEM products.
Comply with company's standards of ESD, IPC-A-610, work instructions and ISO procedures and policies.
Hand assemble and run diagnostic tests on various electronic components.
Follow practices to ensure AIB, ISO standards are being meet and excel.

Prepare your smt operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your smt operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an smt operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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