Best institutions to study 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.
10 U.S. institutions graduated 82 Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0616, a specialization of Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06), and leads most directly to the Semiconductor Processing Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 51-9141).
About Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician programs
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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician program prepares students to apply engineering principles and technical skills in the semiconductor industry. This program focuses on operating and monitoring equipment for the fabrication of semiconductors and microchips, providing essential training for those interested in a career in this rapidly evolving field. Ideal for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair specialized equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. With a growing demand for skilled technicians, this program offers a pathway to a rewarding career in engineering-related technologies.
Students in this program will learn about AC and DC circuits, digital fundamentals, solid state devices, and manufacturing processes. Coursework includes instruction in vacuum principles, industrial electronics, quality assurance, and semiconductor manufacturing technology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year37 graduates / yr · 5 institutions45%
- Award of less than 12 weeks20 graduates / yr · 1 institution24%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years18 graduates / yr · 2 institutions22%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate6 graduates / yr · 2 institutions7.3%
- Associate's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.2%
Graduates over time
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 82 |
Top 10 institutions for Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 83% | — | $68,582 |
| 2 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 20 | 16% | — | — |
| 3 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 28% | — | — |
| 4 | Central Ohio Technical College Newark, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 4 | 30% | — | — |
| 5 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 0% | — | — |
| 6 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 68% | — | — |
| 7 | Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, IDPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 71% | $24,681 | — |
| 8 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 40% | — | $63,796 |
| 9 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 60% | — | — |
| 10 | James A. Rhodes State College Lima, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 47% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 4 states
Where Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 2 | 31 | Purdue University - Main Campus29 / yr |
| Arizona | 3 | 26 | Mesa Community College20 / yr |
| Ohio | 3 | 22 | Columbus State Community College17 / yr |
| Idaho | 2 | 3 | Northwest Nazarene University2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-9141, Semiconductor Processing Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Semiconductor Processing Technicians or Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians. With an annual growth rate of 10.9% and approximately 3,900 job openings each year, this field offers a median wage of $51,180, making it an attractive career choice for graduates.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0616
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Semiconductor Processing Techniciansprimary SOC 51-9141 | $51,430 | +10.9% Much faster than average | ~3,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians SOC 17-3023 | $78,190 | +0.6% Little or no change | ~8,400 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
- 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.
- Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
Tools and technology used
Other Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06).
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0613
Technician 5,247 graduates / yr272 institutions - Industrial Technology/CIP 15.0612
Technician 4,201 graduates / yr150 institutions - Industrial Production Technologies/CIP 15.0699
Technicians 2,268 graduates / yr66 institutions - Welding Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0614
Technician 507 graduates / yr27 institutions - Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0607
Technician 280 graduates / yr23 institutions - Composite Materials Technology/CIP 15.0617
Technician partial data114 graduates / yr8 institutions - Metallurgical Technology/CIP 15.0611
Technician partial data82 graduates / yr5 institutions - Chemical Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0615
Technician partial data67 graduates / yr5 institutions
See all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program offers awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, monitoring, and active listening.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 10.9%.
What education is typically required?+
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry into this field.
What is the CIP code for Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician?+
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0616 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician programs?+
10 U.S. institutions reported Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 4 states, awarding 82 credentials in the year. That is 0.6% of all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Semiconductor Processing Technicians occupation, which Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $51,430 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $68,582 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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