TSMC's plans to establish a facility in Arizona have opened new doors for Taiwanese professionals seeking opportunities in the USA. Recently, a Taiwanese contractor working at TSMC's Phoenix plant shared his experiences on PTT's Tech Job board, shedding light on the salaries, living conditions, and workplace culture surrounding this wave of "Taiwan-US tech talent migration."

Salaries and Benefits: The actual income of a American TSMC contractor, as shared by a 45-year-old Taiwanese engineer, varies based on job duties and expertise. According to his insights, TSMC's Arizona contractors are paid on a weekly basis, with a net pay of around $1,800 (approximately NT$58,000) for a regular workweek without overtime. During overtime, he was able to earn up to $3,100 (approximately NT$100,000) net. If workers do not report for duty, they do not get paid. It is important to note that this net salary will often see a tax refund during tax season.

Regarding benefits, the company provides housing, generally in a two-person apartment-style arrangement, and shared rental cars for staff commuting and leisure use. Employees are responsible only for their personal food expenses and shared fuel costs, averaging about $10 per week (approximately NT$325), enabling many workers to save half to two-thirds of their salary. He advised potential applicants to inquire precisely about the salary structures during interviews, as the job bank listings for TSMC contractor positions show monthly salaries ranging from NT$120,000 to NT$200,000, indicating a significant discrepancy.

Life in Phoenix: The living conditions in Phoenix, Arizona exceeded his expectations. The apartments where employees reside are typically situated in well-serviced areas, accessible to fast food outlets and large supermarkets within walking distance. These apartments are equipped with amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and barbecue areas, although their usage is limited due to the demands of work life.

In terms of groceries, the variety and prices in Phoenix are favorable, allowing for significant savings if one can cook at home. Local water is hard and not suitable for drinking, so most employees purchase bottled water, costing about $5 a case (approximately NT$162). The high cost of healthcare in the US was identified as a common drawback, with the author reminiscing about Taiwan's healthcare system. He often relied on personal medicine or assistance from colleagues for minor ailments.

Recreational options in Phoenix are abundant, ranging from professional sports events to concerts. Tickets to see MLB's Diamondbacks are about $100 (around NT$3,200), while NBA's Suns games cost around $80 (approximately NT$2,600). The surroundings also offer rich travel resources, with destinations like the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles within driving distance.

Work Environment and Application Process: Work at the TSMC facility primarily takes place in cleanroom environments, with many colleagues being Taiwanese. English proficiency is not required, but it can help expand social circles. Working hours are typically stable, and any overtime is communicated in advance, with corresponding pay. Interested Taiwanese professionals must submit résumés through recruitment agencies, and interviews can take various forms, from a 20-minute voice call on Line to in-person meetings. After hiring, the company will assist in visa processing, including preparing documents such as household registration certificates, diplomas, and labor insurance records.

The author noted that TSMC plans to build five more plants in the US with an investment of up to $100 billion, which is expected to create job opportunities for up to ten years. This represents a rare opportunity for many Taiwanese professionals seeking work in the United States.