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.
Also called: Crystal Cutter, Crystal Finisher, Crystal Grower, Crystal Growing Technician (Crystal Growing Tech), Crystal Lapper, Crystal Machining Coordinator
Median pay
$51,430
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,690 – $82,540
People employed
31,460
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 8.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
Semiconductor Processing Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (20 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Semiconductor Processing Technicians salary in every state →
What semiconductor processing technicians do
- 01Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
- 02Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
- 03Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- 04Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
- 05Stamp, etch, or scribe identifying information on finished component according to specifications.
- 06Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from semiconductor processing technicians
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- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic83% · −15%
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · +3%
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · −5%
Change into semiconductor processing technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders81% · $39,530
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic77% · $49,030
- Endoscopy Technicians71% · $48,430
- Medical Equipment Preparers71% · $47,700
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators65% · $58,470
Majors that lead here
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician
- Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.