Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $51,430/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$37,690$82,540

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +10.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.

About 3,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Operations MonitoringCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingCoordinationOperation and Control

Top knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingChemistryCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematics

Core tasks

• Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.

• Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.

• Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.

• Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.

• Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.

• Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.

• Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.

• Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Semiconductor Processing Technicians?

The median pay for Semiconductor Processing Technicians is $51,430 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Semiconductor Processing Technicians?

Employment for Semiconductor Processing Technicians is projected to change +10.9% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Semiconductor Processing Technicians?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Semiconductor Processing Technicians?

About 3,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.