Semiconductor Processing Technicians
SOC code 51-9141 · O*NET-SOC 51-9141.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Semiconductor Processing Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$51,430
a year
Hourly
$24.73
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$60,180
$28.93 per hour
Middle 50%
$45,640 – $65,010
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$37,690 – $82,540
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
31,460
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $37,690
- $18.12/hr
- 25th percentile
- $45,640
- $21.94/hr
- Median percentile
- $51,430
- $24.73/hr
- 75th percentile
- $65,010
- $31.25/hr
- 90th percentile
- $82,540
- $39.68/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+11%
Growing much faster than average
31,900
jobs in 2024
35,400
projected for 2034
About 3,500 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a semiconductor processing technician 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
- Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
- Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
- Stamp, etch, or scribe identifying information on finished component according to specifications.
- Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
- 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.
How to become a semiconductor processing technician
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)84%
- Less than a High School Diploma12%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate1%
Common questions
How much does a semiconductor processing technician earn?
The national median is $51,430 a year. The full range runs from $37,690 at the 10th percentile to $82,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a semiconductor processing technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is semiconductor processing technician in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 11% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Speaking2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Chemistry3.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Operation and Control.