EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  the  Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 2-68488, 33- 12453,  33-13577,  33-30884,  33-39265
and  333-0567)  of  Kulicke  and Soffa  Industries,  Inc.  of our  report  dated
November19, 1998 appearing on page 22 of this Form 10-K.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 18, 1998