How To Become A Semiconductor Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a semiconductor engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Andrea Welker Ph.D.

Semiconductor engineers are often asked to configure semiconductors so clients can directly request items for their business. These engineers build the necessary pathways on the silicon wafer, which comprise the semi-conductive whole after finishing the product through wafer bonding and etching.

You may require a computer-focused engineering degree, although some companies may also favor those with software engineering experience. On the other hand, aspiring semiconductor engineers may benefit significantly from internships with experienced engineers in the field to gain some on-the-job experience.

If you're a Semiconductor Engineer with less than one year of experience, you should expect to get an overall gross salary of $70,206 (including tips, incentives, and overtime pay).

What general advice would you give to a semiconductor engineer?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.

ScoreSemiconductor EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.5

Avg. Salary $96,951

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 14.03%

Black or African American 4.48%

Hispanic or Latino 10.99%

Unknown 3.91%

White 66.42%

Gender

female 10.71%

male 89.29%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a semiconductor engineer

Explore semiconductor engineer education requirements

Most common semiconductor engineer degrees

Bachelor's

77.3 %

Master's

11.4 %

Doctorate

4.5 %

Start to develop specific semiconductor engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Analysis	21.21%
RF	18.71%
Failure Analysis	17.91%
R	7.25%
Sputtering	7.14%

Complete relevant semiconductor engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New semiconductor engineers 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 semiconductor engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real semiconductor engineer resumes.

Research semiconductor engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
Accelerate the development cycle for IBM server microprocessors and ASICs.
Shorten the production ramp for IBM server microprocessors through data automation and analysis.
Improve the net performance and reliability of IBM's high-end system microprocessor by defining fab process parametric targets and limits.

Apply for semiconductor engineer jobs

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

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

How do semiconductor engineers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Semiconductor engineer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Cons

very little