Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Semiconductor processing technicians perform tasks in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors, commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips, that are used in cars, smartphones, and other everyday devices. Throughout production, these workers process silicon crystals into flat wafers, the primary material used in manufacturing semiconductors.

Duties

Semiconductor processing technicians typically do the following:

• Review work orders and processing charts
• Monitor machines that slice silicon crystals into wafers for processing
• Use equipment to clean and polish the silicon wafers
• Load wafers into the equipment that creates patterns and forms electronic circuitry
• Set and adjust manufacturing equipment controls
• Adjust equipment and repair as needed during the manufacturing process
• Test completed microchips to ensure that they work properly
• Review manufacturing processes and suggest improvements

Semiconductor processing technicians are largely responsible for quality control in the manufacturing process. Their tasks ensure that robotics and other automated machinery operate during production according to set parameters so that completed microchips function properly.

Before production begins, semiconductor processing technicians prepare to enter the contamination-free “cleanroom” by putting on special garments, called “bunny suits,” to preserve its sterile environment. Inside the cleanroom, they are assigned a station at which they operate equipment such as a photolithography machine, which projects light beams to imprint a pattern on wafers; an etching machine, which cuts or dissolves the pattern into the wafers’ surface; or polishing machines that remove irregularities from the wafers’ outer layer. They monitor the equipment during manufacturing and control the electrical, temperature, or other process parameters to ensure quality.

Throughout production, semiconductor processing technicians test wafers for imperfections. They may perform a process inspection using an optical or electron microscope. They also capture process data from the manufacturing equipment and record data as part of their testing documentation. The data these technicians collect are crucial to helping engineers determine the source of any production issues that may arise.

Semiconductor processing technicians held about 31,900 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of semiconductor processing technicians were as follows:

Semiconductor processing technicians work in “cleanrooms” that are filtered to be free of impurities in order to avoid damaging the microchips produced. They also wear special lightweight garments, called “bunny suits,” over their clothes to keep contaminants such as lint, dust, or other particles from disrupting the manufacturing process.

Work Schedules

Most semiconductor processing technicians work full time. Shift work is common and may include early mornings, nights, and weekends because semiconductor manufacturing facilities operate around the clock.

Semiconductor processing technicians typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent to enter the occupation. Some technicians complete a certificate or associate’s degree program. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job training.

The median annual wage for semiconductor processing technicians was $51,180 in May 2024.

Employment of semiconductor processing technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,900 openings for semiconductor processing technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.