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For Educators: Military Resources

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Median Salary
45,850
Job Outlook
+5%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of semiconductor processing technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,400 openings for semiconductor processing technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$35,960

10%

$45,850

Median

$64,650

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    83%

  • Less than high school

    11%

  • Associate's degree

    2%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Production and Processing
  • Education and Training
  • Chemistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.