Start Your Career as a Semiconductor Processing Technician—Here’s How

Jul 25

If you’ve been looking for a hands-on job that actually leads somewhere—pays well, doesn’t require a four-year degree, and puts you at the center of tech innovation—put this one on your radar: semiconductor processing technician.

This role quietly powers the devices and systems we all rely on. It offers stable schedules, clean environments, and real career paths. And right now, it's one of the fastest-growing opportunities in advanced manufacturing—with projected job growth of 13% over the next decade and top earners breaking into the $80K range.

Sound like something worth exploring?

Here’s what you need to know.

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What Does a Semiconductor Processing Technician Actually Do?

If you step into a role as a semiconductor processing technician, expect hands-on work with some of the most advanced equipment in modern manufacturing. Your day won’t be about sitting still—it’ll be about precision, movement, and teamwork in a cleanroom environment. Here's what the job really looks like:

You might start your shift by reviewing detailed instructions or work orders to understand the specs for that day’s run. Then, you’ll carefully load silicon wafers into processing machines—sometimes using tools like tweezers or vacuum wands to keep everything clean and contamination-free.

Once the wafers are in motion, you’ll monitor high-tech systems that do everything from etching intricate circuits to adjusting the wafers’ conductive properties. You’ll tweak settings like temperature or vacuum pressure based on what the product requires.

In between runs, you might:

Inspect wafers under a microscope to catch imperfections
Clean machines and chemical baths to keep everything running smoothly
Adjust equipment settings or call for maintenance if something’s off
Track each step in a digital or paper log for quality control

It’s detailed work, but also rewarding. You’ll be making something that ends up in everything from electric vehicles to medical devices—and that’s pretty powerful.

Other Job Titles You Might See

Depending on the company or the specific part of the production process, the same core role may go by different names. Here are some common ones:

Semiconductor Processing Technician – the general title for the role
Manufacturing Technician – often used more broadly, but includes chip production
Process Technician – focuses on operating and optimizing processes in fabrication
Wafer Fabrication Operator – works specifically in the wafer production stage
Diffusion Operator – handles thermal processing that modifies wafer materials
Probe Operator – tests finished chips for defects before packaging

These titles may differ slightly in daily duties, but they’re all part of the same fast-growing ecosystem.

How Much You’ll Earn

Semiconductor processing technicians earn competitive wages—even when starting out. On average, workers in this field make $51,180 per year. The lowest 10% earn around $35,980, while the top 10% make more than $87,190, especially in specialized or high-volume facilities.

Your actual pay will depend on a few things: where you're working, how much experience you bring, and what part of the process you're involved in. Many facilities offer overtime pay, shift differentials, and bonus opportunities, especially for night or weekend shifts.

It’s not just a solid paycheck—it’s a career path with real financial potential.

Top High-Paying Industries

Want to earn more than the average technician? Consider industries that offer higher pay, even if they employ fewer people:

Scientific Research and Development Services – $89,710/year
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing – $59,110/year
Merchant Wholesalers (Durable Goods) – $56,130/year
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing – $51,700/year

These roles may require more specialized skills—but the payoff is there if you stick with it.

Top High-Paying States

Some states stand out for paying above-average wages:

New Mexico – $66,140/year
Michigan – $62,350/year
Oregon – $59,630/year
Arizona – $57,260/year
New Hampshire – $55,310/year

Top Industries with the Most Jobs

If you're looking for more entry-level access and steady demand, these industries employ the most technicians:

Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing – Over 24,000 jobs
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing – Around 680 jobs
Employment Services – Temporary placements, about 290 jobs

Most people in this career start in semiconductor manufacturing—the backbone of the chip industry.

States with the Most Jobs

Here’s where you’ll find the highest employment for this role:

Texas – Over 7,000 jobs, though wages are lower ($37,000/year)
Oregon – Nearly 4,800 jobs, and among the highest paying
California – 3,500+ jobs
Arizona – 2,000+ jobs
Massachusetts – 1,600+ jobs

Looking for both high demand and high pay? Oregon and Arizona are great places to start.

Is This a Long-Term Career?

Yes—and that’s one of the best parts.

The number of semiconductor processing technician jobs in the U.S. is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Each year, there are about 3,400 projected job openings in this field, thanks to nrising demand for chips in everything from cars to clean energy. And the U.S. is investing heavily in bringing chip manufacturing back home.

In short? If you’re thinking about getting into this field, the timing couldn’t be better.

How to Become a Semiconductor Processing Technician

You don’t need a four-year degree to land one of these jobs. In most cases, employers are looking for people who are reliable, careful, and open to learning.

Here’s what helps:

A high school diploma or GED (some roles prefer an associate’s degree)
Basic math and computer skills
Strong attention to detail
Comfort working in a cleanroom environment
Ability to follow instructions and operate machines safely

Many companies offer on-the-job training, especially if you have experience in manufacturing, quality control, or logistics.

What If You Don’t Have Chip Experience? Transferable Skills Matter

You don’t need to come from a tech background to land a job as a semiconductor processing technician. In fact, many people come from fields like manufacturing, logistics, automotive, the military, or even food production.

What matters is that you have skills like:

Following strict procedures and safety protocols
Using tools or machines in a production setting
Spotting quality issues or inconsistencies
Staying focused during repetitive tasks
Communicating clearly with team members

Tip for your resume: These are the exact kinds of skills you’ll want to highlight. Don’t just list your past job titles—explain what you did. Show how your experience lines up with what semiconductor employers are looking for.

How to find a job as a Semiconductor Processing Technician?

Although these tips are not specific to millwrights or any particular job, they are still helpful and provide a good idea of how to find the job you want.

Where This Job Can Take You

This isn’t just a job—it’s a starting point. With some experience under your belt, you could grow into roles like:

Process Technician Lead
Equipment Maintenance Technician
Cleanroom Supervisor
Engineering Technician

Want to aim even higher? With more education or certifications, roles like Associate Process Engineer are absolutely on the table. It’s a stretch, but many engineers actually start out as techs. If you’ve mastered the tools and understand the process, companies are often more comfortable promoting from within than hiring someone brand new.

Ready for a fresh start in manufacturing? Whether you're exploring semiconductor roles or other light industrial jobs, TIMPL can help you find the right fit.

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