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.

What you'd actually do

• Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
• Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
• 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.
• Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
• Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of semiconductor processing technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a semiconductor processing technician make?

The median pay is $24.73 per hour — roughly $51,500 a year, with the real range running from about $18.12/hr (10th percentile) to $39.68/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a semiconductor processing technician actually do all day?

Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles. Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports. Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.