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.
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
SOC: 51-9141 O*NET: 51-9141.00
Median Salary
$51,180
per year
Job Growth
🚀 10.9%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Semiconductor Processing Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,980
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,320
25th percentile
Median
$51,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$74,640
75th percentile
Top Earners
$87,190
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,980
25th
$45,320
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$51,180
Mean: $59,640
75th
$74,640
90th
$87,190
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $51,210 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,320 and $74,640
- •Salary spread is 57.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 32,150 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:31,900
Top Industries
Manufacturing97.9%
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing97.4%
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing94.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+10.9%
Annual Openings:3,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)31,900
Current
2034 (Projected)35,400
+10.9%
+3,500
Employment Change
+10.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Semiconductor Processing Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 19 locations
Texas
7,390 jobs$37,2002.56x
Oregon
7,080 jobs$61,47017.27x
Arizona
3,730 jobs$78,0505.60x
California
2,510 jobs$49,2700.67x
New York
1,730 jobs$49,6900.87x
Massachusetts
1,330 jobs$49,8001.75x
Colorado
1,110 jobs$50,7101.84x
Michigan
480 jobs$53,5700.53x
Minnesota
340 jobs$46,6500.56x
Maine
320 jobs$45,8002.45x
Pennsylvania
300 jobs$43,4800.24x
Virginia
200 jobs$00.23x
New Hampshire
170 jobs$47,8001.20x
Florida
170 jobs$42,9900.08x
Utah
140 jobs$39,0900.41x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
88%
#3
Reading Comprehension
76%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
64%
#5
Monitoring
52%
#6
Active Listening
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.4
88%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.8
76%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.2
64%
Monitoring
basic2.6
52%
Active Listening
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance88%
abilities
4.4/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance76%
abilities
3.8/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance64%
skills
3.2/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance52%
skills
2.6/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers86%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers75%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders75%
5 shared skills
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders71%
5 shared skills
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders71%
5 shared skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Monitoring
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAP software
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAP software
Python
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Training & Development (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Set, adjust, and readjust computerized or mechanical equipment controls to regulate power level, temperature, vacuum, and rotation speed of furnace, according to crystal growing specifications.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Etch, lap, polish, or grind wafers or ingots to form circuitry and change conductive properties, using etching, lapping, polishing, or grinding equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Semiconductor Processing Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Semiconductor Processing Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.36
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.05
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.01
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.89
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.78
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.64
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Cooperation
4.0
Dependability
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Self-Control
3.6
Concern for Others
3.6
Initiative
3.6
Independence
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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