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.
SOC: 51-9141.00
Common Job Titles
Diffusion Operator
Manufacturing Technician
Process Technician
Wafer Fabrication Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate semiconductor fabrication equipment including CVD systems, diffusion furnaces, and ion implanters in cleanroom environments following established processing protocols.
Proficient
Hands-onHandle semiconductor wafers and ingots using precision tools while maintaining contamination control standards and preventing damage to delicate materials.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate process parameters and quality control data to ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications and identify deviations.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute chemical etching, deposition, and photolithography processes coordinating multiple workstations to maintain production flow and meet cycle time requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize work priorities and production schedules managing multiple processing steps across different equipment systems under time constraints.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret technical documentation and standard operating procedures for complex semiconductor processing sequences across multiple fabrication steps.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze equipment performance data and processing anomalies using statistical process control methods to maintain yield targets.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate measurement and testing instruments including multimeters, surface profilers, and spectrum analyzers following preventive maintenance schedules and calibration protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeDiagnose equipment malfunctions and process failures using troubleshooting methodologies and collaborating with engineering teams.
Developing
MindsetSupport safety and contamination control protocols by consistently adhering to cleanroom procedures and hazardous material handling requirements.
Developing
KnowledgeApply chemistry and materials science principles to understand chemical reactions and material transformations during semiconductor fabrication.
Developing
MindsetEngage in continuous learning and knowledge updates to maintain proficiency with evolving semiconductor processing technologies and techniques.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Semiconductor Processing Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
32,150
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,980. 25th percentile: U.S. $45,320. 50th percentile: U.S. $51,180. 75th percentile: U.S. $74,640. 90th percentile: U.S. $87,190. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$35,980
10% of workers earn the following or more
$87,190
Workers on average earn
$59,640
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.9/5
English Language3.8/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Python
SAP software
Technology Skills
Camstar Systems Camstar Semiconductor Suite
Database software
Eyelit Manufacturing
National Instruments TestStand
yieldWerx
Tools & Equipment
Antistatic wrist straps
Atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition APCVD systems
