by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology explores Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills To Operate And Monitor Equipment For The Fabrication Of Semiconductors Or Microchips From Silicon Wafers, And To Troubleshoot, Maintain, And Repair The Specialized Equipment Used In This Process. Includes Instruction In Ac And Dc Circuits, Digital Fundamentals, Solid State Devices, Manufacturing Processes, Vacuum Principles And Technology, Industrial Electronics, Quality Assurance, And Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. Read on to learn the essential details every semiconductor manufacturing technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering semiconductor manufacturing technology programs.
Nationwide, semiconductor manufacturing technology is a popular field of study, with 16 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for semiconductor manufacturing technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of semiconductor manufacturing technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations semiconductor manufacturing technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a semiconductor manufacturing technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a semiconductor manufacturing technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several semiconductor manufacturing technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 13 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3 |
People currently working in careers related to semiconductor manufacturing technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 83.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 11.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.3% |
| Some college courses | 0.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 0.1% |
| Master’s degree | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in semiconductor manufacturing technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in semiconductor manufacturing technology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to semiconductor manufacturing technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to semiconductor manufacturing technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | 812,716 | 7.8% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 150,615 | 0.3% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of semiconductor manufacturing technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $59,570 |
| 4 years | $66,536 |
| 5 years | $74,003 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for semiconductor manufacturing technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers semiconductor manufacturing technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,455 |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | $30,069 |
With 4 different semiconductor manufacturing technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased semiconductor manufacturing technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering semiconductor manufacturing technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
