What is a Semiconductor Processor?
Position 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.
A Day in the Life of a Semiconductor Processor
- 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.
- Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
- Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- Align photo mask pattern on photoresist layer, expose pattern to ultraviolet light, and develop pattern, using specialized equipment.
- Scribe or separate wafers into dice.
- Attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from ampoule, and seal ampoule, using blowtorch.
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Semiconductor Processor Skills
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Types of Semiconductor Processor
- Etcher
- Semiconductor Packages Sealer
- Probe Operator
- Seed Core Operator
- Wafer Mounter
Are There Job Opportunities for Semiconductor Processors?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 25,500 jobs in the United States for Semiconductor Processor. 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.
Semiconductor Processor Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Semiconductor Processor ranges between $26,130 and $58,590.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Semiconductor Processors
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 do I Become a Semiconductor Processor?
What kind of Semiconductor Processor requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Semiconductor Processor?

Where Semiconductor Processors Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Semiconductor Processors work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
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.
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