Embodiments include a semiconductor package with a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a method to form such semiconductor package, and a semiconductor packaged system. The semiconductor package includes a die with a plurality of backend layers on a package substrate. The backend layers couple the die to the package substrate. The semiconductor package includes the TEC in the backend layers of the die. The TEC includes a plurality of N-type layers, a plurality of P-type layers, and first and second conductive layers. The first conductive layer is directly coupled to outer regions of bottom surfaces of the N-type and P-type layers, and the second conductive layer is directly coupled to inner regions of top surfaces of the N-type and P-type layers. The first conductive layer has a width greater than a width of the second conductive layer. The N-type and P-type layers are directly disposed between the first and second conductive layers.