Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn a median of $51,430 per year ($24.73/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 8.2% through 2035, with about 3,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-9141
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Semiconductor Processing Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $51,430a year, or $24.73/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $38KTop 10% $83K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +8.2%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+8.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +8.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,40031,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202531.2K
- Projected 203533.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 31.2K Projected 2035 33.8K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school11.7%
- High school83.9%
- Certificate1.3%
- Some college0.5%
- Associate's2.3%
- Post-doctoral training0.2%
Highest education held by semiconductor processing technicians Segment Value Less than high school 11.7% High school 83.9% Certificate 1.3% Some college 0.5% Associate's 2.3% Post-doctoral training 0.2%
Also advertised as: Device Processing Engineer, Diffusion Operator, Manufacture Specialist, Manufacturing Technician (Manufacturing Tech), Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineer (MOCVD Engineer), Probe Operator.
Pay
How much do Semiconductor Processing Technicians make?
Every semiconductor processing technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$51,430
Middle half earn $45,640 to $65,010
- 10th
- $37,690
- 25th
- $45,640
- 75th
- $65,010
- 90th
- $82,540
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $37,690 |
| 25th | $45,640 |
| Median | $51,430 |
| 75th | $65,010 |
| 90th | $82,540 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $51,430
- Median hourly wage
- $24.73/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $60,180
- People employed
- 31,460
Versus all US occupations
At $51,430, the median for Semiconductor Processing Technicians sits in line with the $50,980 median across all US occupations.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 7% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $82,540 or more while the bottom 10% earn $37,690, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 24% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Arizona pays the most at $78,940, and still leads at $78,409 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Semiconductor Processing Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Arizona | $78,940 | $78,409 | 2,270 |
| 2Oregon | $63,330 | $61,271 | 6,620 |
| 3Florida | $62,330 | $60,272 | 190 |
| 4Washington | $58,710 | $54,862 | 990 |
| 5Minnesota | $57,780 | $58,588 | N/A |
| 6North Carolina | $56,160 | $59,538 | 60 |
| 7Colorado | $52,360 | $50,809 | 790 |
| 8Massachusetts | $51,410 | $48,611 | 1,190 |
| 9New York | $49,400 | $45,774 | 1,750 |
| 10Georgia | $48,580 | $50,450 | N/A |
Job outlook
Is Semiconductor Processing Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +8.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | +8.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Semiconductor Processing Technicians to change 8.2% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.3× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 2,600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,400 openings are projected each year, 10.9% of the 31,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
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.
Rising demand for semiconductors, which are used in a wide range of products, from vehicles to medical equipment, is expected to create jobs for these workers over the projections decade. In addition, federal funding for the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, expansions of existing plants, and tax credits for manufacturers’ equipment expenses are expected to spur new investments in U.S. semiconductor production, further increasing the need for semiconductor processing technicians.
Getting in
How to become a Semiconductor Processing Technician
Semiconductor processing technicians typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent to enter the occupation. Some technicians complete a certificate or associate’s degree program. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job training.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as semiconductor processing technicians.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)83.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma11.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2.3%
- Post-Secondary Certificate1.3%
- Some College Courses0.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 83.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 11.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 2.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 1.3% |
| Some College Courses | 0.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
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.
Semiconductor processing technicians perform tasks in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors, commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips, that are used in cars, smartphones, and other everyday devices. Throughout production, these workers process silicon crystals into flat wafers, the primary material used in manufacturing semiconductors.
Day-to-day tasks
- Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
- 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.
- Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
- Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
- Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.
- Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most semiconductor processing technicians work full time. Shift work is common and may include early mornings, nights, and weekends because semiconductor manufacturing facilities operate around the clock.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where semiconductor processing technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing89%
- Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing9%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 89% |
| Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing | 9% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 1% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Critical Thinking3.4
- Active Listening3.3
- Monitoring3.3
- Speaking2.9
- Writing2.8
- Active Learning2.5
- Learning Strategies2.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.5 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.6
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Coordination2.9
- Operation and Control2.9
- Equipment Maintenance2.9
- Troubleshooting2.9
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Operation and Control | 2.9 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.9 |
| Troubleshooting | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Development environment software
- Industrial control software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Semiconductor Processing Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Semiconductor Processing Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.4
- Conventional5.2
- Investigative3.1
- Enterprising1.5
- Social1.1
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Semiconductor Processing Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
Plating Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$43,960median a year
Most earn $34K to $60K
−9.7%High school - Production
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
Extruding and Forming Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Synthetic and Glass Fiber
$46,350median a year
Most earn $36K to $64K
−3.3%High school - Production
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$47,720median a year
Most earn $37K to $64K
+0.7%High school - Production
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$47,920median a year
Most earn $37K to $67K
−8.9%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with semiconductor processing technicians highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Semiconductor Processing Technician$51,430
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Semiconductor Processing Technician | $51,430 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Semiconductor Processing Technician appears on
Questions
Semiconductor Processing Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Semiconductor Processing Technicians make?
Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn a median of $51,430 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), close to the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $24.73/hr. The middle half earn between $45,640 and $65,010. The top 10% earn $82,540 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Semiconductor Processing Technician?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Semiconductor Processing Technicians. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 83.9% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Semiconductor Processing Technician a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 8.2% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Semiconductor Processing Technician do?
Semiconductor processing technicians perform tasks in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors, commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips, that are used in cars, smartphones, and other everyday devices. A core O*NET task: load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing. Employers most often ask for Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Object or component oriented development software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Semiconductor Processing Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Semiconductor Processing Technicians are Arizona ($78,940), Oregon ($63,330), Florida ($62,330) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Semiconductor Processing Technician?
O*NET scores Semiconductor Processing Technicians highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.