Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-4122Also known as:
Aluminum Welder, Arc and Gas Welder, Arc Welding Machine Operator, Billet Assembler, Braze Operator
Median Annual Salary
$47,060
-9.0% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
39K
Current Jobs
What Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders Do
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.
💰 Salary
$47,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-9.0%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
38,900
Projected Employment (2034)
35,400
Related Careers
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
$51,000 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
- Record operational information on specified production reports.
- Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
- Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
- Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
- Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
- Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
- Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
- Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders:
Welding Technology/Welder
57,768 degrees awarded •
902 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders make?
The median annual salary for welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is $47,060.
What education do welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders need?
Most welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Welding Technology/Welder.
Is becoming welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders a good career choice?
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to see -9.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Top colleges for aspiring welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Texas State Technical College, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, South Texas College, Maysville Community and Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders may also be known as: Aluminum Welder, Arc and Gas Welder, Arc Welding Machine Operator, Billet Assembler, Braze Operator, Brazing Machine Operator, Brazing Machine Setter, Brazing Machine Setter Operator, Brazing Machine Setup Operator, Brazing Machine Tender, Certified Welder, Controlled Atmospheric Furnace Brazer, Electron Beam Machine Welder Setter, Electron Beam Welder Setter, Electron Beam Welding Machine Operator, Electroslag Welding Machine Operator, Explosion Welder, Fabricator, Field Operator, Field Technician (Field Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.