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What is a probe operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a probe operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.22 an hour? That's $37,901 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreProbe OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $37,901

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%

Asian 6.92%

Black or African American 8.68%

Hispanic or Latino 26.23%

Unknown 4.22%

White 52.99%

Gender

female 40.85%

male 59.15%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a probe operator

  1. Explore probe operator education requirements

    Most common probe operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    31.3 %

    Bachelor's

    28.1 %

    Associate

    28.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific probe operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL52.40%
    Clean Room Environment28.15%
    Semiconductor19.45%
  3. Complete relevant probe operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New probe operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a probe operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real probe operator resumes.
  4. Research probe operator duties and responsibilities

    • Follow all specifications and follow OCAP when need.
    • Inspect semiconductor circuits by microscopes.
    • Monitor, control and operate computerized wafer equipment for the inspection, etching or alignment of integrate circuits.
    • Maintain proper communication with management and frac crews on/off-site.
  5. Prepare your probe operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your probe operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a probe operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable probe operator resume templates

    Build a professional probe operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your probe operator resume.
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
    Probe Operator Resume
  6. Apply for probe operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a probe operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first probe operator job

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Average probe operator salary

The average probe operator salary in the United States is $37,901 per year or $18 per hour. Probe operator salaries range between $26,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average probe operator salary
$37,901 Yearly
$18.22 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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