A vertical resonator type surface light emitting semiconductor laser device includes a semiconductor substrate having formed thereon a first semiconductor multi-layered film reflection mirror, an active layer, a second semiconductor multi-layered film reflection mirror, and a contact electrode having an opening for emitting laser light. The opening is covered with a protective film for preventing damage during fabrication after the contact electrode has been formed. Or, the protective film is provided on the second semiconductor multi-layered film reflection mirror so that the contact electrode is superimposed on the surface of the protective film, and the opening is formed on the protective layer. In this way, there is provided a vertical resonator type surface light emitting semiconductor laser device having high reliability, capable of stably producing laser light with a low resistance and a high output, which output does not decrease over time.