Semiconductor processing technicians
SOC Code: 51-9141Also known as:
Charge Preparation Technician, Chemical Etch Operator, Circuit Recorder, Crystal Cutter, Crystal Finisher
Median Annual Salary
$51,180
+10.9% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
32K
Current Jobs
What Semiconductor processing technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$51,180
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+10.9%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
31,900
Projected Employment (2034)
35,400
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Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Semiconductor processing technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a semiconductor processing technicians:
Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician
3,026 degrees awarded •
108 colleges offer this program
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician
16 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Semiconductor processing technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become semiconductor processing technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do semiconductor processing technicians make?
The median annual salary for semiconductor processing technicians is $51,180.
What education do semiconductor processing technicians need?
Most semiconductor processing technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician.
Is becoming semiconductor processing technicians a good career choice?
Semiconductor processing technicians is projected to see +10.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 3,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for semiconductor processing technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring semiconductor processing technicians include
Tulsa Technology Center, Alaska Vocational Technical Center, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Moraine Valley Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to semiconductor processing technicians?
Semiconductor processing technicians may also be known as: Charge Preparation Technician, Chemical Etch Operator, Circuit Recorder, Crystal Cutter, Crystal Finisher, Crystal Grower, Crystal Growing Technician, Crystal Lapper, Crystal Machining Coordinator, Crystal Mounter, Crystal Slicer, Device Processing Engineer, Die Attacher, Diffusion Furnace Operator, Diffusion Operator, Electronic Component Processor, Electronic Device Monitor, Electronic Semiconductor Processor, Epitaxial Reactor Operator, Epitaxial Reactor Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.