Chipmakers warn of major US semiconductor worker shortage by 2030

A new report highlights a looming shortage of U.S. semiconductor workers, projecting a shortfall of up to 157,000 jobs by 2030. This comes as companies including Samsung, TSMC, Intel, Micron and SK Hynix prepare to open or expand chip manufacturing plants across the country, many tied to producing components critical for AI technology.

In a CNBC interview, Samsung executives expressed concern about staffing its new logic fabrication plant in Texas amid the tight labor market. Chipmakers have been recruiting heavily in Asia, which has long dominated semiconductor manufacturing and offers competitive pay packages.

To address the shortage, companies are partnering with universities like Purdue and Arizona State to build a domestic pipeline of engineering talent, aiming to support U.S. ambitions to lead in AI and chip production.