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.
Also called: Braze Operator · Certified Welder · Fabricator · Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech) · Laser Operator · Machine Operator
Median pay (national)
$47,060
$35,780–$66,190 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
36,290
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-9%
~3,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $66,190 versus $35,780 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $47,060 leaves roughly 41% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -9% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 44 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $78,460, +67% vs the national median), while Alabama sits lowest at $37,310 — a 110% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- 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.
- Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.
- Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
- Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.
- Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- SAP software
- Tool center point TCP setting software
- Email software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology