How to become a semiconductor processing technician

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What semiconductor processing technicians do

• 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.
• 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.
• Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
• Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is semiconductor processing technician a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 1% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Arizona $78,940
• Oregon $63,330
• Florida $62,330
• Washington $58,710
• North Carolina $56,160

Semiconductor Processing Technicians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.