Semiconductor Workforce Trends 2025
As a staffing agency deeply embedded in U.S. manufacturing, we are closely monitoring developments in the semiconductor industry—and 2025 is proving to be a transformative year. Major policy shifts and historic investments are reshaping the hiring landscape for both employers and job seekers.
Three key forces reported in early 2025 are driving these changes:
Proposed 25% tariffs on auto and semiconductor imports
TSMC’s announcement of a $100 billion expansion of U.S. operations
Growing uncertainty surrounding CHIPS Act funding
Together, these developments are creating both new opportunities and challenges for the semiconductor workforce. Learn more about how these trends are shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing in our comprehensive guide to workforce trends and opportunities.
Trump’s Proposed Tariffs and TSMC’s Expansion: A Turning Point for U.S. Semiconductor Jobs
On February 19, 2025, the administration announced plans for new tariffs: a 25% duty on automotive imports from Canada and Mexico and a 25% tariff on semiconductor imports, both designed to encourage domestic production. Automotive tariffs are expected to take effect as early as April 2, 2025, with semiconductor tariffs likely following soon after.
At nearly the same time, TSMC, the world’s largest chipmaker, announced an additional $100 billion investment to expand its U.S. operations, building on its existing Arizona projects. These two developments—one driven by policy and the other by private investment—are positioned to significantly boost demand for semiconductor manufacturing talent across the country.
Workforce Impact
While these tariffs are still pending, the expected impact on the U.S. semiconductor workforce is already coming into focus:
Automotive tariffs are intended to bring more vehicle production back to the United States. Since today’s vehicles require hundreds of semiconductors, increased domestic auto assembly will directly raise demand for U.S.-made chips.
Semiconductor tariffs aim to shift more chip production to U.S. soil by making imports more costly, driving growth in domestic fabrication capacity.
TSMC’s $100 billion expansion is projected to create up to 70,000 direct jobs nationwide, including over 20,000 permanent roles in Arizona, along with thousands of skilled trade and construction jobs tied to new facilities.
If these initiatives proceed as planned, states like Arizona, Texas, and Ohio—where automotive and semiconductor industries overlap—could see tens of thousands of new semiconductor job openings beginning in late 2025 and continuing into 2026.
For job seekers looking to enter this growing industry, our Entry-Level Semiconductor Jobs Guide outlines the most in-demand roles and skills needed to get started. For employers, proactive workforce planning and staffing strategies will be critical to staying competitive in a tightening labor market.
CHIPS Act Uncertainty: A Threat to Workforce Readiness
While tariffs and private investments are pushing U.S. chipmaking forward, the CHIPS and Science Act—a key driver of workforce development—faces an uncertain future. Reports of possible funding cuts and federal workforce reductions have raised concerns about the industry’s ability to train the workers required to support this growth.
Workforce Impact
The CHIPS Act has been essential in building the semiconductor industry’s talent pipeline. If funding is reduced, the industry could face:
Delays in apprenticeship and STEM education programs
A widening skills gap as demand outpaces available talent
Increased reliance on foreign labor, despite an ongoing focus on domestic hiring
For employers, this creates the risk of long-term labor shortages. For job seekers, now is the time to invest in technical training and certifications. Our guide to the Top Skills for Semiconductor Jobs in 2025 can help you prepare. For companies facing growing talent shortages, our guide on overcoming semiconductor workforce shortages offers practical strategies to stay competitive in a tightening labor market.
At Primacy Careers, we are working closely with our partners to close these gaps through targeted recruitment and specialized staffing solutions.
Navigating Semiconductor Workforce Trends in 2025
With pending tariffs, historic investments, and policy uncertainty shaping the industry, staying ahead of workforce trends is essential. Here is what we expect in the months ahead:
Regional Growth
Arizona and Texas are expected to lead U.S. semiconductor job growth, driven by TSMC’s expansion and the return of automotive production. Other states with strong auto manufacturing sectors, such as Ohio and Indiana, may also see increased demand for talent.
Short-Term Opportunities
As many as 20,000 new semiconductor jobs could emerge by the end of 2025, particularly in construction, logistics, and technical roles supporting new production facilities.
Long-Term Risks
If funding for workforce development programs slows, the talent pipeline could narrow, limiting future growth. Employers should act now to secure talent, while job seekers should prioritize technical training to remain competitive.
If you’re based near our Manteca location, explore local opportunities and resources in our Complete Job Seeker’s Guide to Manteca.
Preparing for the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing
For employers, 2025 is a year that requires agility—expanding teams to support new projects while preparing for demand shifts. Whether staffing for facility expansions or managing production increases, securing the right talent is essential.
For job seekers, this is a unique opportunity to enter or advance in one of the most critical industries of the decade. With growing demand in high-growth regions, now is the time to develop technical skills and position yourself for long-term success in semiconductor manufacturing.
How Primacy Careers Can Help
At Primacy Careers, we specialize in semiconductor staffing, helping manufacturers secure the skilled trades, technicians, and engineers they need. Whether you are expanding your workforce or looking to grow your career, we are here to support your success.
Contact us to learn how we can help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Explore our latest job opportunities and see how we are supporting semiconductor employers and job seekers during this pivotal year.
