Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Semiconductor Processors
Semiconductor Processors 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.
Table of contents
What they do
Semiconductor Processors 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.
- Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
- Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
- Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
- Set, adjust, and readjust computerized or mechanical equipment controls to regulate the power level, temperature, vacuum, and rotation speed of furnace, according to crystal growing specifications.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Semiconductor Processors attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from the ampoule, and seal the ampoule, using a blowtorch. They inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscopes, and standard procedures.
A typical day for a Semiconductor Processor will also include:
- Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.
- Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to the area for further processing.
- Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
- Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
- Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Semiconductor Processors also locate the crystal axis of the ingot, and draw orientation lines on the ingot, using x-ray equipment, drill, and sanding machine. They may also connect the reactor to the computer, using hand tools and power tools.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Semiconductor Processors mount crystal ingots or wafers on blocks or plastic laminate, using special mounting devices, to facilitate their positioning in the holding fixtures of sawing, drilling, grinding, or sanding equipment. They might also measure and weigh amounts of crystal growing materials, mix and grind materials, load materials into containers, and monitor processing procedures to help identify crystal growing problems.
In addition, they scribe or separate wafers into dice.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.
To some Semiconductor Processors, it is also their responsibility to clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work areas.
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Semiconductor Processors with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $28,320 to $33,280 per year or $14 to $16 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $70,320 | $34 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $54,320 | $26 |
| Median | $40,500 | $19 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $33,280 | $16 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $28,320 | $14 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Semiconductor Processors based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $56760 | $27.29 |
| Machinery Manufacturing | $49180 | $23.65 |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | $45080 | $21.67 |
| Communications Equipment Manufacturing | $40430 | $19.44 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Semiconductor Processors work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Semiconductor Processors including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | 29100 | $45080 | $21.67 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 70 | $56760 | $27.29 |
| Communications Equipment Manufacturing | 40 | $40430 | $19.44 |
| Machinery Manufacturing | $49180 | $23.65 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Industrial Electronics Technology
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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