Semiconductor Job Market Trends: 2025 & Beyond

The world is growing reliant on technology, and the need for semiconductor manufacturing will only rise. Most semiconductor technology production currently occurs in China and Taiwan, but the industry is shifting due to the relationship between China and many Western governments.

The CHIPS and Science Act was passed in 2022 to encourage and incentivize American semiconductor manufacturing processes. The U.S. semiconductor industry is expected to grow by 8% by 2032, providing career opportunities for job seekers. This industry gives opportunities for people trying to find a career and professionals looking to change their careers.

What Is a Semiconductor?

A semiconductor is a chip that uses transistors to conduct electricity. Semiconductor chip manufacturing uses materials like silicon to home billions of transistors. Semiconductor chip manufacturing is a highly technical process combining electrical engineering processes with research and development.

Semiconductor chips are an essential component in modern electronics. They allow electricity to be conducted through billions of transistors at high speeds allowing circuits to be completed for various tasks in devices like smartphones, electric cars, computers, and smart devices.

Semiconductors enable the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is the network of smart devices, such as:

• computers
• televisions
• other electronic devices

Semiconductors are responsible for processing thousands of calculations a second to let these devices connect and share information without causing delays.

Semiconductors are designed to be small, with many about the size of a small fingernail. The microelectronic chip industry has enabled advancements in everything from the electric automotive to smartphone industries. Semiconductor companies are constantly trying to innovate the process and make smaller and smaller chips to reduce the size demands for electronic devices.

What Is a Semiconductor Engineer?

A semiconductor engineer is responsible for designing and implementing the microelectronic systems that make semiconductors work. These highly skilled workers do the most technical work with semiconductors. Becoming a semiconductor engineer requires at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, but many professionals pursue higher degrees.

Semiconductor engineers are responsible for designing the next generation of chips and tailoring these initiatives to the needs of specific clients or businesses. The rapid growth of semiconductor manufacturing in America has resulted in a talent shortage, making this a viable career path.

What Do Semiconductor Engineers Do?

The role of semiconductor process engineers is universal, despite the American semiconductor ecosystem being spread across the country. Some of a semiconductor engineer's most common responsibilities include:

• designing semiconductor chips for specific purposes and businesses
• maintaining and upholding sustainability efforts
• finding ways to implement automation
• lead training programs to help develop their company's talent pool
• consult on packaging and shipment methods
• oversee partnerships to maintain a global supply chain
• conducting equipment and material inspections

Job Outlook for the Semiconductor Industry

Technology usage is only expected to grow, meaning the demand for semiconductor chips will also rise. There is currently a shortage of qualified skilled workers. There is a positive growth projection for semiconductor industry job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for semiconductor experts will grow at almost triple the rate for all careers.

What Is the Projected Growth Rate for the Semiconductor Industry by 2032?

The growth rate for all semiconductor-related jobs by 2032 is 8%, much faster than the 3% projection for all occupations. The semiconductor industry includes multiple roles for skilled workers from design to manufacturing and packaging. Each job within the field will grow at differing rates, especially in different regions.

Some of the highest-demand positions are for semiconductor manufacturing roles. These roles often only require an associate's degree or completing a certification program. Semiconductor engineers are also in high demand due to the highly specialized skillset required for this role.

Where Will the Semiconductor Jobs Be?

The American semiconductor ecosystem is spread out with a few key industry centers. There are semiconductor jobs and research roles at companies and universities in over 40 states, with concentrations in the Northeast and along the Pacific coast. Opportunities across the country are expected to increase even though most jobs are in these areas. You might still have to relocate to enter the semiconductor industry. However, there may be opportunities near you.

Are Semiconductor Engineers In Demand?

Semiconductor engineers are in very high demand. The role is highly technical and the skills needed to do the job aren't commonly found in other industries. To become a semiconductor engineer, students must have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science.

Most job data for the semiconductor industry doesn't include specifics for differing job titles, but the growth rate for semiconductor engineers is expected to be positive.

Are There Many Jobs Available in the Semiconductor Industry?

There are many jobs available and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects thousands of new jobs in the industry by 2032. There has been a renewed effort to create semiconductor manufacturing jobs since the CHIPS and Science Act was passed in 2022. The industry is rapidly growing, so true growth is hard to quantify as the applications of semiconductors are expanding nearly every year.

How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact the Semiconductor Industry?

Artificial intelligence is one of the largest variables in the semiconductor industry. As more and more technological devices begin to implement artificial intelligence, there will be a need for different semiconductor applications. This will mean that more semiconductor engineers will be needed to design and oversee the production of new forms of semiconductors.