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.
Daily Life Of a Semiconductor Processor
- Attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from ampoule, and seal ampoule, using blowtorch.
- Operate saw to cut remelt into sections of specified size or to cut ingots into wafers.
- Set, adjust, and readjust computerized or mechanical equipment controls to regulate power level, temperature, vacuum, and rotation speed of furnace, according to crystal growing specifications.
- Load semiconductor material into furnace.
- Connect reactor to computer, using hand tools and power tools.
- Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Semiconductor Processor
Below is a list of the skills most Semiconductor Processors say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Semiconductor Processor Jobs
- Epitaxial Reactor Technician
- Wafer Production Worker
- Resistor Coater
- Semi Conductor Assembler
- Process Technician
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.
Do Semiconductor Processors Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Semiconductor Processors is somewhere between $26,130 and $58,590.

Semiconductor Processors who work in New York, Massachusetts, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Semiconductor Processors 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
Becoming a Semiconductor Processor
Education needed to be a Semiconductor Processor:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Semiconductor Processor?

Where do Semiconductor Processors Work?

Below are examples of industries where Semiconductor Processors work:

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Semiconductor Processor might also be interested in the following careers:
- 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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |