Semiconductor Jobs Are Booming: Where Talent Is Most Needed

The U.S. semiconductor industry is undergoing a historic transformation. Fueled by over $200 billion in private investment and backed by the CHIPS Act, new fabrication plants, packaging centers, and supplier facilities are popping up across the country—from Arizona to Ohio to New York. In fact, over 50 new semiconductor projects have been announced across more than 20 states.

But for all this momentum to translate into production, one thing is critical: people. And right now, there’s a shortage of them.

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the U.S. may face a shortfall of 67,000 skilled workers by 2030—especially in technician, operator, and support roles. That talent gap is already being felt today.

At PRIMACY, we’ve helped light industrial manufacturers find and retain great talent for years. Now, we’re seeing a shift—more semiconductor companies are looking for dependable, trainable workers with hands-on experience. That’s opening up new doors for job seekers and creating new challenges for employers.

In-Demand Semiconductor Jobs in 2025

Semiconductors aren’t built by robots alone. Facilities need technicians, operators, inspectors, and material handlers to keep production lines moving and chips flowing out the door.

Here’s where demand is growing—and fast:

Wafer Fabrication Technicians

These workers operate and monitor equipment that prints circuitry onto silicon wafers. Many companies struggle to find people comfortable in cleanroom environments or who can learn complex processes quickly.

Who fits well here:

  • Machine operators from clean manufacturing (like pharmaceuticals or medical devices

  • Detail-oriented individuals used to repetitive, high-precision tasks

Learn how to get started in this role: How to Become a Semiconductor Processing Technician

Advanced Packaging Operators

Instead of just placing chips in plastic, advanced packaging involves 2.5D or 3D stacking, requiring cleanroom precision and new tooling.

Why the shortage: Advanced packaging is being reshored to the U.S., but most of the talent remains overseas—especially in Taiwan and South Korea. Meanwhile, the U.S. has lost much of its domestic ATP (Assembly, Test, and Packaging) capabilities due to decades of offshoring.

Skills that transfer well:

  • Assembly experience with micro-components

  • Optical inspection or electronics handling

  • ESD-safe work environments

Assembly, Test, and Packaging (ATP) Technicians

ATP roles include cutting chips from wafers, running electrical tests, and final packaging. These jobs are often entry points for career growth.

Challenges: Only 5% of global ATP capacity is currently in the U.S., and the domestic talent pool has diminished over time. According to CHIPS Act reports, the U.S. "has lost its leadership position over time in assembly, packaging, and test capabilities," underscoring the need to rebuild hands-on expertise.

Great fit for:

  • Entry-level workers open to training

  • Workers with previous electronics assembly experience

Explore your options here: Entry-Level Semiconductor Jobs: Launch Your Career in a Booming High-Tech Industry

Materials and Equipment Support Staff

Facilities rely on complex logistics for chemicals, gases, and materials. With suppliers building in places like Arizona, Michigan, and Oregon, these support roles are essential.

Hiring struggles include:

  • Cleanroom-qualified material handlers

  • Workers familiar with hazardous materials and precision handling

Why Semiconductor Companies Are Struggling to Hire

Companies are competing for a limited talent pool—and many are finding that traditional hiring methods can’t keep up. Here’s what’s driving the current labor gap:

  • Lead-time mismatch: Semiconductor facilities are being built faster than training programs can graduate new workers. In 2022, fewer than 3,000 students graduated from semiconductor-related technician programs—far short of the 6,000–8,000 workers needed annually.

  • Location matters: Employment is concentrated in a handful of states like California, Texas, Oregon, and Arizona. But new fabs are being built across 16+ states, and many of these regions lack a skilled workforce, creating hiring challenges from day one.

  • Erosion of expertise: The U.S. semiconductor industry has offshored packaging and test operations for decades, leading to a decline in domestic hands-on ATP expertise—especially for shift-based and technician-level roles.

  • “Lab-to-Fab” Gap: Many startups and universities struggle to access prototyping facilities. The CHIPS Act report states, “Foundries and advanced packaging facilities are not structured for small runs.” This limits innovation and highlights a need for process engineers and support staff in early-stage development.

  • R&D Talent Shortage: The U.S. is also struggling to attract and retain research scientists in a highly competitive global market for semiconductor innovation. The talent crunch extends beyond the factory floor to the research lab.

  • Commercialization Challenges: High R&D and prototyping costs are holding back early-stage projects. This indicates a need for technical professionals who can bridge the gap between innovation and production.

See strategies to close the gap:
How Semiconductor Companies Can Overcome Labor Shortages
Semiconductor Workforce Trends & Hiring Opportunities in 2025

PRIMACY specializes in sourcing skilled, reliable, and safety-minded talent for fast-paced manufacturing environments. We understand what it takes to thrive in semiconductor roles—and we help companies build workforces that scale.

How Job Seekers Can Start a Career in Semiconductors

You don’t need a PhD to work in semiconductors. In fact, many facilities are eager to train candidates with the right mindset and background.

If you’ve worked in:

  • Assembly lines

  • Machine operation

  • Quality inspection

  • Packaging or clean manufacturing environments

…you may already have the foundation needed to step into a semiconductor job.

Entry-level semiconductor roles often offer starting wages of $18–$24 per hour, with the potential to grow into $30+/hr roles within a few years, depending on experience and specialization. Many positions also come with stable shifts, clean environments, and opportunities for upskilling.

Explore where your experience can take you:
Entry-Level Semiconductor Jobs

Want to upskill fast? Check your local community colleges or workforce centers—many offer short courses in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom procedures, or electronics assembly.

Start Your Semiconductor Journey with Timpl

As the U.S. rebuilds its chipmaking power, the people behind the process will matter more than ever. Whether you're a company trying to staff up—or a job seeker ready for something new—PRIMACY is here to help you find your place in this fast-growing industry.

Looking to hire or get hired?
Talk to a PRIMACY Recruiter Today

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How to Become a Semiconductor Processing Technician