All About Semiconductor Processors
Occupation Description 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.
Life As a Semiconductor Processor
- Etch, lap, polish, or grind wafers or ingots to form circuitry and change conductive properties, using etching, lapping, polishing, or grinding equipment.
- Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.
- 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.
- Monitor operation and adjust controls of processing machines and equipment to produce compositions with specific electronic properties, using computer terminals.
- Scribe or separate wafers into dice.
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What a Semiconductor Processor Should Know
When polled, Semiconductor Processors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Related Job Titles
- Epitaxial Reactor Operator
- Semiconductor Lab Technician
- Circuit Recorder
- Chemical Etch Operator
- Small Group Processor
Is There Job Demand for Semiconductor Processors?
In the United States, there were 25,500 jobs for Semiconductor Processor in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Semiconductor Processor. There will be an estimated 2,600 positions for Semiconductor Processor per year.
The states with the most job growth for Semiconductor Processor are Nebraska, Iowa, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Georgia, New Mexico, or Colorado. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Semiconductor Processor Make?
The salary for Semiconductor Processors ranges between about $26,130 and $58,590 a year.
Semiconductor Processors who work in New York, Massachusetts, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
How much do Semiconductor Processors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arizona | $36,680 |
Arkansas | $41,520 |
California | $43,390 |
Colorado | $33,580 |
Florida | $40,640 |
Idaho | $36,750 |
Massachusetts | $51,970 |
Minnesota | $39,750 |
New Hampshire | $41,780 |
New Jersey | $42,290 |
New Mexico | $43,910 |
New York | $50,920 |
North Carolina | $36,970 |
Ohio | $44,250 |
Oregon | $39,420 |
Pennsylvania | $38,860 |
Texas | $36,050 |
Washington | $40,690 |
What Tools do Semiconductor Processors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Semiconductor Processors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Database software
How to Become a Semiconductor Processor
What education or degrees do I need to become a Semiconductor Processor?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Semiconductor Processor?
Where do Semiconductor Processors Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Semiconductor Processor may also be interested in:
- Wellhead Pumpers
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Alexis P. Docherty, 49th Wing Public Affairs via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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