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Career overview · SOC 51-9141

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

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.

Also called: Device Processing Engineer · Diffusion Operator · Manufacture Specialist · Manufacturing Technician · Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineer (MOCVD Engineer) · Probe Operator

Median pay (national)
$51,180
$35,980–$87,190 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
32,150
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+10.9%
~3,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for semiconductor processing technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $87,190 versus $35,980 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $51,180 leaves roughly 70% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +10.9% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 3,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 18 states with released data, Arizona pays the most for this role (median $78,050, +53% vs the national median), while Arkansas sits lowest at $36,710 — a 113% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Python as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

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

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
  • Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
  • Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
  • Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
  • Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.
  • Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
  • Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
  • 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.
  • Load semiconductor material into furnace.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • Camstar Systems Camstar Semiconductor Suite
  • Database software
  • Eyelit Manufacturing
  • National Instruments TestStand
  • yieldWerx
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Production and Processing
  • English Language
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • Chemistry
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics