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Semiconductor Processor

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What Do Semiconductor Processor Do?

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: What Do They Do?

  • 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.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.
  • Locate crystal axis of ingot, and draw orientation lines on ingot, using x-ray equipment, drill, and sanding machine.
  • Align photo mask pattern on photoresist layer, expose pattern to ultraviolet light, and develop pattern, using specialized equipment.
  • Count, sort, and weigh processed items.
  • Connect reactor to computer, using hand tools and power tools.

Skills Needed to be a Semiconductor Processor

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.

  • Microelectronics Technician
  • Manufacture Specialist
  • Semiconductor Processing Equipment Test Technician
  • Circuit Recorder
  • Printed Circuit Photographer

Is There Going to be 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,600 job openings in this field each year.

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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 salary for Semiconductor Processors ranges between about $26,130 and $58,590 a year.

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Semiconductor Processors who work in New York, Massachusetts, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.

How much do Semiconductor Processors make in each U.S. state?

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 to Become a Semiconductor Processor

What kind of Semiconductor Processor requirements are there?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Semiconductor Processor?

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Semiconductor Processors Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those thinking about becoming a Semiconductor Processor might also be interested in the following careers:

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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