Semiconductor Processing Technicians Salary Guide 2025: $51,430 Median, 11% Job Growth
The median salary for Semiconductor Processing Technicians is $51,430 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. With mean annual wages of $60,180—about $25 per hour—and a range from $37,690 at the 10th percentile to $82,540 at the 90th, this occupation pays well above the national median for all occupations. Employment currently stands at 31,460, and the field is projected to grow 10.9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average.
How much Semiconductor Processing Technicians earn
The national median salary for Semiconductor Processing Technicians is $51,430, meaning half earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) wage is $60,180, or about $25 an hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) make around $37,690, while experienced technicians in the top 10% earn up to $82,540.
These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program and reflect May 2024 data.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Arizona, with an average annual wage of $78,940. Oregon follows at $63,330, then Florida ($62,330), Washington ($58,710), and Minnesota ($57,780).
At the lower end, Nevada averages $37,290, Texas pays $38,440, and Arkansas brings up the rear at $40,610. These differences reflect the concentration of semiconductor fabrication plants and cost of living.
How to become a Semiconductor Processing Technician
Most employers require at least an associate degree in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, or a related field. Some technicians enter with a certificate from a technical school or community college, often taking a one-year program. Military electronics training also counts.
Key skills include troubleshooting, attention to detail, and cleanroom protocol. Many technicians start as helpers or trainees and learn on the job. While certification isn't mandatory, credentials like the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) can boost your resume.
- 1. Earn an associate degree or certificate in semiconductor technology, electronics, or microelectronics.
- 2. Complete on-the-job training, typically lasting a few months to a year.
- 3. Consider voluntary certification (e.g., IPC or CET) to stand out.
- 4. Gain experience in cleanroom environments and with wafer fabrication equipment.
Job outlook
Employment of Semiconductor Processing Technicians is projected to grow 10.9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 3,900 job openings each year, largely due to retirements and industry expansion as domestic chip manufacturing ramps up under the CHIPS Act.
With strong demand and top pay in states like Arizona and Oregon, this career offers stable, well-paying opportunities for those with the right training.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a Semiconductor Processing Technician?
The national average (mean) salary is $60,180 per year, or about $25 per hour, according to the BLS.
How much do entry-level Semiconductor Processing Technicians make?
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn about $37,690 annually.
What education do you need to become a Semiconductor Processing Technician?
Most employers require an associate degree in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, or a related field. A certificate from a technical school may also suffice.
Which state pays Semiconductor Processing Technicians the most?
Arizona leads with an average annual wage of $78,940.
What is the job growth for Semiconductor Processing Technicians?
Employment is projected to grow 10.9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 3,900 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Semiconductor Processing Technicians data.