Semiconductor Processing Technician Career Guide

What does a semiconductor processing technician do?

Semiconductor processing technicians operate and monitor equipment in clean rooms to make integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. The median pay is $51,430 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months, and employment is projected to grow +8.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$51,430
$24.73/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+8.2%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
3,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
1–6 months
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
31,200
Employment, 2025

What semiconductor processing technicians do

Semiconductor technicians help make the chips inside every device. In ultra-clean fabs, they load wafers into tools for deposition, etching, lithography and cleaning, monitor processes, inspect wafers, run tests, troubleshoot problems and keep records. Equipment technicians maintain the tools.

Most start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though associate degrees and short semiconductor programs help. New fabs being built across the U.S. are driving faster-than-average growth.

Typical duties

Operate wafer processing tools
Load and unload wafers
Monitor process parameters
Inspect wafers for defects
Run measurements and tests
Troubleshoot tool alarms
Follow clean-room protocols

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in clean rooms wearing full-body suits, with strict contamination controls.

Schedule: Fabs run 24/7, often on 12-hour shifts such as 4 days on, 4 off.

A day in the life

6:00 AMGown up and enter the clean room.
6:30 AMTake shift handoff on tool status.
7:00 AMLoad wafer lots into an etch tool.
9:00 AMInspect wafers under a microscope.

See a full day in the life of a semiconductor processing technician →

Semiconductor Processing Technician salary

Half of semiconductor processing technicians earned more than $51,430 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,690 for the lowest 10% to $82,540 for the top 10%.

$37,69010th$51,430Median$82,54090th

Full semiconductor processing technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a semiconductor processing technician

Take math and science
Consider a short program
Get hired at a fab
Learn tools
Advance

A high school diploma is typical, plus on-the-job training. Associate degrees and short semiconductor programs help.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a semiconductor processing technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Clean-room protocol
Wafer handling
Process monitoring
Inspection
Metrology tools

People skills

Attention to detail
Discipline
Teamwork
Focus

All semiconductor processing technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
High-tech industry
Quick entry
Strong benefits

Cons

Full gowning
12-hour shifts
Repetitive tasks
Chemical hazards

Certifications and licenses

Semiconductor technician certificates: Community college programs.
SEMI training: Industry courses.
Clean-room certification: Protocol training.
Associate degree in electronics: Path to equipment tech.

Career path

Fab Technician: Run tools.
Process Technician: Optimize processes.
Equipment Technician: Maintain tools.
Engineer or Supervisor: Lead teams.

Learn the job before day one

Our Semiconductor Processing Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as gown up for a clean room and load a wafer lot, safety and how to land your first job.

View Semiconductor Processing Technician training Is this career right for me?

Electronics Technician

Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.

$78,190
2 years

Mechatronics Technician

Install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls.

$73,900
2 years

Production Assembler

Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.

$44,650
1 day to 1 month on the job

Chemical Technician

Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.

$60,390
2 years

Compare: Semiconductor Technician vs. Electronics Technician · Semiconductor Technician vs. Mechatronics Technician · Semiconductor Technician vs. Production Assembler · Semiconductor Technician vs. Chemical Technician

Semiconductor Processing Technician FAQ

Do semiconductor techs need a degree?

No; many start with a high school diploma.

Is the field growing?

Yes, new U.S. fabs are adding jobs.

What are clean rooms like?

Ultra-clean spaces where workers wear full suits.

How much does a semiconductor processing technician make?

The median annual wage for semiconductor processing technicians was $51,430 ($24.73 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,690 and the highest 10% earned more than $82,540.

How long does it take to become a semiconductor processing technician?

Most people need about 1–6 months of training. A high school diploma is typical, plus on-the-job training. Associate degrees and short semiconductor programs help.

Do you need a degree to be a semiconductor processing technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More semiconductor processing technician questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9141 (Semiconductor processing technicians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Semiconductor processing technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Semiconductor Processing Technician