Semiconductor processing technicians
SOC Code: 51-9141
Semiconductor processing technicians carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $51,180 and +10.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 31,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Semiconductor processing technicians (SOC 51-9141) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 31,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +10.9% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $51,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Semiconductor processing technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
- 2. Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
- 3. Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
- 4. 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.
- 5. Etch, lap, polish, or grind wafers or ingots to form circuitry and change conductive properties, using etching, lapping, polishing, or grinding equipment.
- 6. Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- 7. Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
- 8. Load semiconductor material into furnace.
- 9. Monitor operation and adjust controls of processing machines and equipment to produce compositions with specific electronic properties, using computer terminals.
- 10. Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Semiconductor processing technicians?
Semiconductor processing technicians has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Semiconductor processing technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Semiconductor processing technicians is projected to grow by 10.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 31,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Semiconductor processing technicians?
Key skills for Semiconductor processing technicians include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Semiconductor processing technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Semiconductor processing technicians is $51,180, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Semiconductor processing technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Semiconductor processing technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Semiconductor processing technicians?
Semiconductor processing technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).