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.

Median Annual Wage: $35,180

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (50%); Post-secondary certificate (29%); Less than high school diploma (20%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Machine Operator; Operator; Fabricator; Fitter-Welder; Mig Welder; Finishing Technician; Robot Operator; Braze Operator; Spot Welder; Technical Associate (TA)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

More Production Careers

  • Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
  • Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
  • Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
  • Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements as necessary.
  • Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
  • Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.
  • Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
  • Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
  • Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.
  • Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
  • Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
  • Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing and make necessary adjustments to equipment.
  • Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
  • Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

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