Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,830
Median$48,940
High (90th %)$72,970
AI Prompt Guides for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
The occupation “Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers” has an automation risk of 34.6%, which is only slightly below its base risk of 35.0%. This moderate risk reflects the fact that while many routine aspects of welding and related tasks can be automated, significant portions of the job still require human oversight and adaptability. Automated welding systems are increasingly common in manufacturing environments where repetitive, high-volume tasks are necessary. Such environments benefit from automation of predictable processes that demand speed, consistency, and minimal deviation. However, complete automation remains a challenge in more variable or customized fabrication settings. The top three most automatable tasks for this occupation include operating safety equipment and using safe work habits, examining workpieces for defects, and measuring them for conformance, as well as welding components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions. These tasks are highly standardized and repetitive, making them suitable for robotic systems and sensors, with modern machinery capable of performing many quality control and welding functions with minimal human intervention. Because these elements are rooted in precise, repetitive motion and easily codified safety procedures, they naturally align with the strengths of automation technologies, contributing strongly to the base risk. However, the occupation retains some resilience against automation due to tasks that demand problem-solving, adaptability, and physical dexterity in unpredictable environments. Tasks such as analyzing engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and sketches to plan work; operating sophisticated metal-shaping machines; and setting up or using ladders and scaffolding require a blend of technical understanding, interpretation, and hands-on skill. These duties are resistant to full automation because they depend on the worker’s ability to read complex plans, make nuanced judgments, and adapt to a range of worksite conditions. The bottleneck skill of originality, rated at 2.1%, illustrates that creative problem solving—while a relatively small part of the job—is critical enough to slow the pace of automation, ensuring that the occupation maintains a balanced automation risk profile.
Filter by Automatable Status
Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
Non-Automatable
Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
Automatable
Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
Automatable
Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.
Automatable
Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
Partially Automatable
Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
Non-Automatable
Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
Partially Automatable
Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.
Non-Automatable
Align and clamp workpieces together, using rules, squares, or hand tools, or position items in fixtures, jigs, or vises.
Non-Automatable
Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
Non-Automatable
Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, cranes, wire, and banding machines or hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Melt and apply solder along adjoining edges of workpieces to solder joints, using soldering irons, gas torches, or electric-ultrasonic equipment.
Non-Automatable
Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
Partially Automatable
Grind, cut, buff, or bend edges of workpieces to be joined to ensure snug fit, using power grinders and hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.
Partially Automatable
Develop templates and models for welding projects, using mathematical calculations based on blueprint information.
Partially Automatable
Repair products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts, using cutting torches, straightening presses, and hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Clean or degrease parts, using wire brushes, portable grinders, or chemical baths.
Partially Automatable
Hammer out bulges or bends in metal workpieces.
Partially Automatable
Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.
Partially Automatable
Melt and apply solder to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products, using soldering equipment.
Partially Automatable
Guide and direct flames or electrodes on or across workpieces to straighten, bend, melt, or build up metal.
Partially Automatable
Use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.
Non-Automatable
Preheat workpieces prior to welding or bending, using torches or heating furnaces.
Automatable
Set up and use ladders and scaffolding as necessary to complete work.
Non-Automatable
Operate metal shaping, straightening, and bending machines, such as brakes and shears.
Partially Automatable
Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and operations.
Partially Automatable
Chip or grind off excess weld, slag, or spatter, using hand scrapers or power chippers, portable grinders, or arc-cutting equipment.
Non-Automatable
Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
Non-Automatable
Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
IBM NotesEZ PipeFred's Tip Cartridge PickerMicrosoft WindowsOracle DatabaseRecordkeeping softwareValue AnalysisMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookOmniFleet Equipment Maintenance ManagementMicrosoft WindowsOracle DatabaseRecordkeeping softwareEZ PipeFred's Tip Cartridge PickerValue AnalysisMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookIBM NotesMicrosoft ExcelScientific Software Group Filter Drain FDScientific Software Group Filter Drain FDOmniFleet Equipment Maintenance ManagementEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft Excel
Boilermakers
Low15.98%
Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Medium41.74%
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Low25.88%
Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium34.24%
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.25%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium38.52%
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium35.75%
Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.82%
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Machinists
Medium41.66%
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium44.70%
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Tool and Die Makers
Medium42.07%
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium47.79%
Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium50.59%
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Medium39.82%
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Commercial Divers
Low26.77%
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Medium56.08%
Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Medium36.98%
Shape molten glass according to patterns.