Integrated Circuit Design Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop advanced expertise in the design and development of integrated circuits, the foundational building blocks of modern electronic systems. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical proficiency and engineering rigor, equipping learners to innovate within the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry.
- Circuit Design: Focuses on the conceptual and practical development of electronic circuits, including analog, digital, and mixed-signal systems, to meet specific performance and functionality requirements.
- Circuit Layout: Teaches the precise physical arrangement of components and interconnections on a semiconductor substrate, ensuring optimal performance, manufacturability, and signal integrity.
- Circuit Analysis: Involves the mathematical and computational evaluation of circuit behavior under various operating conditions, enabling prediction of performance and identification of potential failures.
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD): Provides training in industry-standard software tools used to model, simulate, and document integrated circuit designs with high precision and efficiency.
- Semiconductor Technologies: Explores the materials, fabrication processes, and physical principles underlying the creation of transistors and other active components in modern microchips.
Integrated Circuit Design Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Integrated Circuit Design Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Integrated Circuit Design Technology degrees, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians and Electrical and Electronics Drafters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 112,730 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3023 | $77,180 | $48,250 - $111,790 | 92,710 | $37.11 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters 17-3012 | $73,720 | $48,680 - $110,180 | 20,020 | $35.44 |
Integrated Circuit Design Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,010 in South Dakota to $102,500 in District of Columbia—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 112,730 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Integrated Circuit Design Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Integrated Circuit Design Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Integrated Circuit Design Technology is found at Modesto Junior College (MJC) (5 graduates), and Boise State University (BBU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Integrated Circuit Design Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Integrated Circuit Design Technology degree?
Salaries for Integrated Circuit Design Technology graduates vary by role and location. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $77,180 annually, while Electrical and Electronics Drafters earn around $73,720. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $102,500 compared to $57,010 in South Dakota. Approximately 112,730 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Integrated Circuit Design Technology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Integrated Circuit Design Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Modesto Junior College (MJC) (5 graduates), Boise State University (BBU) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Integrated Circuit Design Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2 in 2010 to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 400% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Integrated Circuit Design Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Electrical and Electronics Drafters, . Related occupations employ approximately 112,730 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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