Semiconductor processing technicians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$51,180
~$25/hr · ~$4,265/mo
US Jobs
32K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
The role involves a significant physical component, requiring presence in cleanrooms to handle wafers, maintain equipment, and perform manual inspections. However, AI and advanced automation are increasingly capable of monitoring process data, optimizing machine parameters, and performing high-precision quality control, which automates the information-processing and monitoring aspects of the job.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZBEST VALUE | $78,050 | Above avg (104.7) | $74,563 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $61,410 | Above avg (106.7) | $57,546 |
| Boulder, CO | $57,630 | Average (100.6) | $57,278 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $58,900 | Above avg (105.6) | $55,765 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $60,450 | Above avg (112.6) | $53,664 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $47,820 | Average (101.6) | $47,072 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $51,420 | Above avg (110.4) | $46,579 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $44,280 | Average (98.1) | $45,132 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $46,650 | Above avg (104.3) | $44,726 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $45,800 | Above avg (104.4) | $43,889 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $49,270 | Above avg (113.1) | $43,579 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $48,950 | Above avg (117.6) | $41,642 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $45,710 | Above avg (110.7) | $41,276 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $39,310 | Average (97.1) | $40,465 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $44,200 | Above avg (114.7) | $38,519 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+11% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$25/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,265/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)