Semiconductor Processing Technicians

People in this career spend their days operating specialized machinery to create electronic semiconductors. Daily tasks include loading raw semiconductor materials into furnaces, sawing formed ingots into segments, and using x-ray equipment to find the crystal axis before slicing ingots into wafers. Technicians also clean, polish, and load these wafers into chemical baths and special furnaces to build circuitry and alter conductive properties.

Succeeding in this role requires a strong realistic interest area, meaning a preference for hands-on, practical work. Technicians must be skilled in operations monitoring, active listening, and critical thinking to keep production running smoothly. They need knowledge of production and processing, chemistry, computers, electronics, and public safety. Because the work involves precise machinery and chemical processes, key work styles include attention to detail, dependability, cautiousness, and stress tolerance. Workers must constantly inspect equipment, monitor surroundings, and document their activities while communicating clearly with supervisors and peers.

To enter this career, candidates typically need a high school diploma. The occupation is classified under O*NET Job Zone 2, which means it requires some preparation. Most workers enter the field with a high school education and then complete some level of on-the-job training or gain practical experience on the shop floor.

For those looking to prepare through formal postsecondary education, certain college majors align well with this career path. Students can pursue programs in industrial production technologies or technicians, as well as electrical and electronics maintenance and repair technologies or technicians. No specific professional licenses, certifications, or association memberships are listed as requirements to enter this field.

The median annual pay for semiconductor processing technicians is $51,430. Salaries in this field span from the lowest 10% earning less than $37,690 to the highest 10% earning more than $82,540.

There are 31,460 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 8.2%, which is much faster than average. This growth, combined with normal turnover, is expected to result in 3,400 job openings each year.