Semiconductor Technicians

IBISWorld estimated that semiconductor and circuit manufacturing industry employment had grown 0.8 percent between 2015 and 2020. However, it had declined 1.7 percent in 2020. The firm anticipated that stagnation would occur in the industry because of competition from Asia and more companies deciding to relocate operations offshore. Falling exports and rising imports were expected to hurt semiconductor companies. Additionally, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had exacerbated conditions, resulting in trade disruptions that made it more difficult for operators to obtain raw materials.

Many semiconductor manufacturers have installed new machinery that can produce twice as many wafers as the old machines. This increased automation has streamlined the staff of many manufacturing plants. In addition, manufacturers have begun to build plants in overseas locations where semiconductors can be made more cheaply than in the United States. Imports of more affordable semiconductors from non-U.S. manufacturers are expected to rise in the coming years, which will lessen the need for semiconductor manufacturing technicians in the United States. As the technology advances, the employment opportunities for semiconductor technicians will continue to decrease.

Some jobs will arise from the need to build the components for new products, as well as to replace the many technicians who will be reaching retirement age. Jobs will go to the technicians with the most education, training, and technical experience.