How much does a semiconductor processing technician make?
The median semiconductor processing technician in the United States earns $51,430 per year, about $24.73 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all semiconductor processing technicians earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 51-9141.
Semiconductor processing technician salary range
Pay for semiconductor processing technicians spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $37,690 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $82,540. The average (mean) wage of $60,180 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,690 | $18.12 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $45,640 | $21.94 | |
| Median (50th) | $51,430 | $24.73 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $65,010 | $31.25 | |
| 90th percentile | $82,540 | $39.68 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for semiconductor processing technicians (SOC 51-9141), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Semiconductor processing technician salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Semiconductor processing technicians earn the most in Arizona at $78,940 a year, and the least in Nevada at $37,290. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $78,940 | 2,270 |
| Oregon | $63,330 | 6,620 |
| Florida | $62,330 | 190 |
| Washington | $58,710 | 990 |
| Minnesota | $57,780 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $56,160 | 60 |
| Colorado | $52,360 | 790 |
| Massachusetts | $51,410 | 1,190 |
| New York | $49,400 | 1,750 |
| Georgia | $48,580 | N/A |
| California | $48,030 | 4,650 |
| New Hampshire | $47,710 | 130 |
| Maryland | $47,610 | 120 |
| Maine | $47,270 | 320 |
| Connecticut | $47,000 | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,430 | 340 |
| Utah | $40,760 | 120 |
| Arkansas | $40,610 | 40 |
| Texas | $38,440 | 6,110 |
| Nevada | $37,290 | N/A |
State median wages for semiconductor processing technicians (SOC 51-9141), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for semiconductor processing technicians
The BLS projects employment of semiconductor processing technicians to grow 8.2% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 31,200 jobs in 2025 moving toward 33,800 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 3,400 openings a year for semiconductor processing technicians. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a semiconductor processing technician
The typical entry-level education for semiconductor processing technicians is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a semiconductor processing technician earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Arizona, $78,940) and the lowest (Nevada, $37,290) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 31,460 people work as semiconductor processing technicians in the United States. At $51,430 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Semiconductor processing technician salary FAQ
How much does a semiconductor processing technician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a semiconductor processing technician is $24.73. The middle half of semiconductor processing technicians earn between $21.94 and $31.25 per hour.
What is the highest semiconductor processing technician salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of semiconductor processing technicians earn more than $82,540 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a semiconductor processing technician make a year?
The median annual salary for a semiconductor processing technician is $51,430. The average (mean) wage of $60,180 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a semiconductor processing technician a well paid job?
At $51,430 a year, a semiconductor processing technician earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 31,460 people work as semiconductor processing technicians in the United States.
Which state pays semiconductor processing technicians the most?
Arizona has the highest median salary for semiconductor processing technicians at $78,940 a year. Oregon ($63,330) and Florida ($62,330) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a semiconductor processing technician a good career?
Employment of semiconductor processing technicians is projected to grow 8.2% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 3,400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a semiconductor processing technician?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for semiconductor processing technicians as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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