Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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.

From people doing the work

Day-to-day involves setting up and monitoring automated welding equipment, ensuring consistent quality, and troubleshooting minor issues. It's less about manual welding and more about precision machine operation and process control. Safety protocols are paramount, and there's a constant focus on optimizing machine performance for production efficiency.

Drawn from American Welding Society (AWS), r/Welding, Fabricator Magazine, WeldingWeb Forum

Attribution: Composite

Composite · Synthesised from American Welding Society (AWS), r/Welding, Fabricator Magazine, WeldingWeb Forum

A day in the life of a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
85% Team / 15% Solo
Client facing
Never
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Minimal
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40-50
Stress level
Moderate

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary, education and outlook at a glance

Median salary
$47,060
Entry-level
$35,000
Senior
$66,000
Growth by 2033
-9.0%
Demand
Declining
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
89%
Typical student debt
Moderate

Skills you need as a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Hard skills

  • Production and Processing
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operating system software

Soft skills

  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening

Technical complexity: Low

Tools of the trade

Core tools

  • MIG Welder (Hardware): Used for high-speed welding of various metals in manufacturing.
  • TIG Welder (Hardware): Provides precise control for welding thin materials and complex joints.
  • Arc Welding Machine (Hardware): Employs an electric arc to melt and join metals, suitable for heavy-duty applications.
  • Welding Helmet (Hardware): Protects the operator's eyes and face from intense light and sparks during welding.

Commonly used

  • Robotic Welding Systems (Hardware): Automates welding processes for increased efficiency and consistency in production.
  • Plasma Cutter (Hardware): Used for cutting various metals with high precision and speed.
  • Grinders (Hardware): Used for preparing surfaces and finishing welds by removing excess material.

Specialist tools

  • Oxy-fuel Torch (Hardware): Utilized for cutting and welding metals using a flame produced by oxygen and fuel gas.

How to become a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Minimum education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
3-5
Years to senior
8-12
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

  • Assembler: Individuals with experience in assembling components can transition to operating welding machines by learning specific welding techniques.
  • Machine Operator: General machine operators can pivot to welding machine operation by specializing in welding processes and equipment.
  • Fabricator: Fabricators who prepare materials for welding can move into operating welding machines to complete the joining process.

Where you can go from here

  • Welder, Cutter, Solderer, and Brazer: Machine setters and operators can advance to hands-on welding roles, requiring more manual skill and precision.
  • Quality Control Inspector: With a deep understanding of welding processes, operators can transition to inspecting welds for quality and compliance.
  • Maintenance Technician: Knowledge of welding machinery allows for a pivot into maintaining and repairing industrial equipment.
  • Welding Supervisor: Experienced operators can move into supervisory roles, overseeing welding teams and production schedules.

Typical progression

  1. Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  2. Machinists
  3. Tool and Die Makers
  4. or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders job outlook and future demand

Automation probability
Moderate-High
AI disruption risk
Moderate
Demand trend
Declining

Job satisfaction as a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Overall satisfaction
5.8/10
Meaning
5/10
Work-life balance
6/10
Prestige
4/10
Social perception
Low

Where practitioners gather

Professional organisations

  • American Welding Society (AWS): A leading organization for welding professionals, offering certifications, standards, and educational resources.
  • SkillsUSA: A national organization that provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the skilled trades.

Podcasts and media

  • Fabricator Magazine: A publication providing news, articles, and technical information for metal fabrication professionals.

Reddit communities

  • r/Welding: An online community for welders to share tips, projects, and discuss industry-related topics.

Online communities

  • WeldingWeb Forum: An active online forum where welders discuss techniques, equipment, and career advice.

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