What Semiconductor Processing Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Semiconductor Processing Technicians this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Semiconductor Processing Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 31,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 33,800 in 2035, an increase of 2,600 jobs (+8.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $51,430, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $62,810 in Washington to $62,810 in Oregon, a gap of $0 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $51,430 and 0 average at or below it.
Oregon employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,290, which is 50.0% of the 14,580 counted across them. Washington follows with 7,290.
Highest-paying states
Oregon ($62,810) and Washington ($62,810) lead the ranking, while Washington ($62,810) and Oregon ($62,810) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-9000) include Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers and Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders.
Frequently asked questions about Semiconductor Processing Technicians
How much do Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $51,430. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $62,810 to $62,810.
Which state pays Semiconductor Processing Technicians the most?
Oregon, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $62,810. Washington is next at $62,810.
Is Semiconductor Processing Technicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 8.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,400 openings a year.
What education do Semiconductor Processing Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.