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: Device Processing Engineer, Diffusion Operator, Manufacture Specialist, Manufacturing Technician (Manufacturing Tech), Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineer (MOCVD Engineer), Probe Operator, Process Technician (Process Tech), Semiconductor Laboratory Technician (Semiconductor Lab Tech), Wafer Fabrication Operator, Wafer Technician (Wafer Tech), Crystal Cutter, Crystal Finisher, Crystal Grower, Crystal Growing Technician (Crystal Growing Tech), Crystal Lapper, Crystal Machining Coordinator, Crystal Mounter, Crystal Slicer, Die Attacher, Diffusion Furnace Operator, Electronic Component Processor, Electronic Device Monitor, Electronic Semiconductor Processor, Epitaxial Reactor Operator, Epitaxial Reactor Technician (Epitaxial Reactor Tech), Integrated Circuit Fabricator, Ion Implant Machine Operator, Lap Machine Tender, Microelectronics Technician (Microelectronics Tech), Semiconductor Assembler, Semiconductor Dies Loader, Semiconductor Engineer, Semiconductor Packages Sealer, Semiconductor Process Engineer, Semiconductor Processing Equipment Test Technician (Semiconductor Processing Equipment Test Tech), Semiconductor Processor, Semiconductor Technician (Semiconductor Tech), Semiconductor Wafers Diffusion Furnace Operator, Semiconductor Wafers Etch Operator, Semiconductor Wafers Etcher, Semiconductor Wafers Marker, Semiconductor Wafers Saw Operator, Semiconductor Wafers Stripper, Semiconductors Metallization Equipment Tender, Semiconductors Wafer Breaker, Wafer Fabrication Technician (Wafer Fabrication Tech), Wafer Fabricator, Wafer Machine Operator, Wafer Mounter, Wafer Polishing Worker, Wafer Production Worker

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (83.85% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

45,640–65,010 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-9141.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (83.85% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Semiconductor Processing Technicians