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The differences between smt operators and finisher operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a finisher operator has an average salary of $35,406, 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 finisher operator are hand tools, math, and quality checks.
| SMT Operator | Finisher Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,647 | $35,406 |
| Hourly rate | $16.18 | $17.02 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 54,826 | 77,850 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
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 finisher operator finalizes a product. They put on the final layer of paint, stitching, engraving or cloth on the product to complete it. They may also restore furniture by fixing dents or discoloration. They are responsible for making sure that their equipment does not malfunction and making minor repairs. They assist in trimming, molding, packing, and transporting the final product, and they are also responsible for final quality control.
Smt operators and finisher operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| SMT Operator | Finisher Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,647 | $35,406 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $44,000 | Between $28,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Monterey, CA | Horsham, PA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Sanmina | Elanco |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between an smt operator and a finisher operator in terms of educational background:
| SMT Operator | Finisher Operator | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 32% | High School Diploma, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between smt operators' and finisher operators' demographics:
| SMT Operator | Finisher Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| 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, 15.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 2.5% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |