Semiconductor processing technicians operate and monitor the machinery that manufactures computer chips and electronic components. The work is technical, in-demand, and you can enter with a high school diploma. Here is what the job involves, what skills matter most, and how to get started.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
You control machines and processes that produce semiconductors, the tiny components that power computers and electronics. Your day involves monitoring equipment closely, handling and moving materials, and performing physical tasks on the production floor. You read technical information, communicate with supervisors and coworkers about what you observe, and stay alert to safety protocols. You may adjust machine settings, track production quality, and report problems. The work requires attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures precisely, since even small errors affect the final product.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn a median of $51,430 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 3,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you can enter through on-the-job training or a short-term technical program focused on semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, or production processes. These programs teach you how machines work, safety standards, and the chemistry and physics behind chip production. Many employers provide additional training once you are hired. You will develop skills in reading technical documents, critical thinking, and active listening as you learn the specific equipment and procedures at your workplace.
Your path typically starts with a high school diploma and moves into either direct hiring with on-the-job training or a brief technical certificate program. Since the route depends on your timeline and what employers in your area prefer, Pathly can map the semiconductor processing technician path that fits you with your counselor to map out the best sequence for you.
You are hands-on and practical, drawn to working with machines and systems. You like solving concrete problems, paying close attention to how things work, and taking responsibility for quality and safety.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).