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The differences between smt operators and bucket operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bucket operator has an average salary of $41,288, which is higher than the $33,647 average annual salary of an smt operator.
The top three skills for an smt operator include hand tools, PCB and reflow oven. The most important skills for a bucket operator are ETC, hand tools, and ladders.
| SMT Operator | Bucket Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,647 | $41,288 |
| Hourly rate | $16.18 | $19.85 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 54,826 | 40,119 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 68% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Surface mount technology (SMT) operators monitor and maintain any equipment used in establishing SMT electronic circuits. The task of SMT operators involves SMT machine operation to mount electronic components onto the circuit boards. They mount assembled components like resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits on the chassis panel. Also, they collaborate with technicians and engineers on PCB's for critical defect data. They are expected to have skills and knowledge about circuit boards, reflow ovens, and electronic components.
A bucket operator is primarily in charge of operating bucket trucks, ensuring safety and efficiency for a smooth and successful workflow. Although a bucket operator has different responsibilities depending on their industry or place of employment, it usually includes planning and coordinating operations according to project requirements, setting guidelines, and delegating duties among staff. They can also perform tasks such as pouring and collecting materials, keeping records, and maintaining the cleanliness of areas. Moreover, in some companies, they supervise staff operations while enforcing the company's safety standards and regulations.
Smt operators and bucket operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| SMT Operator | Bucket Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,647 | $41,288 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $44,000 | Between $32,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Monterey, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Sanmina | - |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between an smt operator and a bucket operator in terms of educational background:
| SMT Operator | Bucket Operator | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | General Studies |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between smt operators' and bucket operators' demographics:
| SMT Operator | Bucket Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0% | Male, 98.6% Female, 1.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.7% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |