Tech is a growing field, and many young people are seeking careers in it. But a common question we often hear is, “Do I need a four-year degree?” What may surprise you is that you don’t need a college degree to get started in the tech or semiconductor industry. Today, we’ll show you the semiconductor careers you can start without a degree and what training you will need to find success.
Do You Need a 4-Year Degree in the Semiconductor Industry?
No, you do not need a four-year degree to pursue a semiconductor or trade career in tech. While most of these positions usually require a high school diploma or a GED, they often don’t require a bachelor’s or even an associate’s degree for entry. Since the CHIPS and Science Act was passed in the United States, we have seen an increase in high school graduates and career changers entering high-paying jobs in Florida without a degree. Demand will continue to grow as new fabs and facilities open across the U.S., including in Florida.
6 Careers You Can Start without a Degree
Most entry-level positions that don’t require a degree are semiconductor technician jobs, especially on the manufacturing and production side. Depending on your experience, these are often entry-level, high-paying careers without degree requirements that offer growth opportunities and a range of skills. Here are the top six highest-demand technician jobs that you can start without pursuing a four-year degree.
1. Cleanroom Technician
Salary Expectations: $24–$37/hr
Chip making requires a clean, dust-free environment to protect the delicate systems inside each chip. Cleanrooms are the solution to this requirement, and all workers must wear protective gear to prevent the contamination of the space. Cleanroom technicians are responsible for ensuring that everything in the space is running smoothly. From handling wafers to running equipment, their day-to-day work is precise and hands-on.
2. Process Technician
Salary Expectations: $60,000–90,000
If you enjoy problem-solving and puzzles, a process technician is a great position for you. This position assesses chip creation processes by monitoring the equipment, collecting data, and responding to real-time issues. Similar to cleanroom technicians, you must wear special equipment to avoid damaging the wafers or chips.
3. Equipment/Tool Technician
Salary Expectations: $55,000–85,000
There are many tools that are used in the creation of chips, and equipment/tool technicians help to ensure that they’re functioning properly and efficiently. This is a very hands-on position that lets you dip your toes into a mechanic-like role. From troubleshooting errors to making repairs on the equipment, you will be the one making sure everything is running exactly as it should be. This role also takes place in a cleanroom, so specialized equipment must be worn on the job.
4. Maintenance (Fab) Technician
Salary Expectations: $55,000–85,000
Similar to equipment/tool technicians, maintenance (fab) technicians help to ensure all the equipment in the fab (fabrication plant) is running smoothly. However, they’re also responsible for improving the processes so that breakdowns are avoided before they even have the chance to occur. This is a very hands-on position that can also be fast-paced when equipment does fail.
5. Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
Salary Expectations: $45,000–60,000
Quality assurance technicians help to ensure that the chips are functional and well-designed before sending them off to the final testing phase. This is a great position for anyone who is detail-oriented and likes understanding how things work. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to test the wafers and chips, collect data, and report your findings.
6. Test Technician
Salary Expectations: $50,000–65,000
As a last line of defense before the chips are distributed, test technicians do one last round of tests and data collection to ensure that the chips are fully functional and error-free. This is a great role for people who love to both work with their hands and problem solve. You’ll also get to work alongside engineers and support their work as they complete the finishing touches on a chip.
Not sure which position is best for you? Take our quiz to discover your unique career pathway!
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Will You Need a Degree in the Future?
While these roles don’t require a degree to start, you may wonder if that will change as you advance. Does career progression require higher education? And the answer, in most cases, is no—you will not need a degree as you advance in your career.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice.
We’ve seen many people find fulfilling, high-paying careers without a degree in the semiconductor industry, and you can advance as a technician. But if your goal is to pursue engineering positions, you may want to consider a degree.
Current statistics show that there is a projected shortage of people with associate’s degrees in the industry, so if you want a two-year option, that may be a strategic choice for advancement without committing to four years of schooling.
What Technical Training for Semiconductor Careers Is Needed?
So if these positions don’t require a degree, what training do you need? It’s going to vary depending on the exact position, but generally, semiconductor employers want to see hands-on experience and a willingness to learn. Some potential paths for technical training in semiconductor careers include:
- Apprenticeships
- Internships
- Trade school
- CTE courses or certifications
Etch Your Own Path in the Semiconductor Industry
Whatever your path, our team at Etch can help you find it. We’re a workforce initiative dedicated to connecting talent with employers across Florida. Whether you’re a student exploring options or someone changing careers, we’ll help you find the path that fits your experience and goals. Get connected with Etch to find your semiconductor career, and see how you can help transform Florida’s tech industry!
