Best-Paying Semiconductor Jobs

Computer hardware engineers — another role the BLS projects to grow faster than average from 2022-2032 — will also be vital to helping expand the U.S. semiconductor industry. Computer hardware engineers build devices, components of computers, and instruments across other tech sectors.

Their skill set applies directly to the semiconductor industry, whether it’s in designing new products that use semiconductors or helping the burgeoning manufacturing industry incorporate new technologies into its process.

Demand for software developers is expected to increase rapidly, with the BLS projecting 25% growth between 2022 and 2032. Software developers are in high demand thanks to their skills in writing and testing various systems and applications, and they should be critical players in the software-reliant semiconductor manufacturing industry.

The highly technical and computer-assisted process of manufacturing semiconductors requires specialized software, and developers both help design that functionality and keep the process running smoothly through testing, debugging, and quality assurance.

In addition to software developers, software engineers are also in high demand. These professionals handle large-scale activities in creating software, like systems design and quality assurance.

Electrical engineering jobs are projected to grow faster than average from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Electrical engineering has applications across industries, and with the electrical systems needs of new semiconductor plants comes a host of opportunities for electrical engineers.

With CHIPS Act funding going to regional technology hubs across the country, multiple new semiconductor plants are planned to open in the coming years. For example, Intel plans to build a $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant in central Ohio.

These advanced, high-tech plants will require electrical engineers for construction and operation. Earning an electrical engineering degree builds much more than just technical skills in students: Curriculum often covers areas like project management, communication, and other relevant skills to help students land lucrative jobs and lead across industries.

Industrial engineers are productivity-focused industry experts, and they will also play an important role in the U.S. semiconductor industry. These professionals can apply their skills across various industries — and when it comes to manufacturing chips, their critical thinking and manufacturing knowledge will help ensure efficient and smooth-running processes.

The BLS projects fast-paced growth for industrial engineers over the next decade. Industrial engineering programs at colleges include a wide variety of specializations, from analytics and data science to operations research and supply chain engineering.

Opportunities also abound for mechanical engineers as new semiconductor plants go up across the country. These professionals are needed to design mechanical systems and facilities for chip production and help to ensure the smooth operation of semiconductor plants.

The BLS projects that mechanical engineering jobs will grow much faster than average in the coming years, owing to the number of industries — even beyond semiconductor manufacturing — that need their expertise. Emerging industries like electric vehicles and longstanding areas like heating and cooling design continue to need skilled engineers who can design and synthesize systems.

Supply chain management is a crucial part of the semiconductor industry, with logisticians and other experts working to get materials to manufacturing facilities and chips to their destinations. Supply chain managers will also be key partners in building these billion-dollar manufacturing plants and securing the materials needed to get these high-tech facilities running.

Supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the importance of supply chain managers and the growing need for these professionals as shortages persist.

Employment of logisticians alone is set for explosive growth over the next decade, and colleges are incorporating supply chain management coursework into their degree programs from business to engineering. A growing number of master of business administration programs offer specializations in supply chain management. Additionally, more specialized programs, like Purdue’s interdisciplinary master of science in engineering with a semiconductor focus, also include instruction in supply chain management.