Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Welding Machine Operators
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: Aluminum Welder, Arc and Gas Welder, Arc Welding Machine Operator, Billet Assembler, Braze Operator, Brazing Machine Operator
Median pay
$47,920
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,860 – $66,540
People employed
31,600
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 7.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in every state →
What welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- 02Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
- 03Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.
- 04Record operational information on specified production reports.
- 05Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
- 06Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters90% · +7%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers83% · −3%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers83% · +12%
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82% · −3%
- Tire Builders81% · +20%
Change into welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters90% · $51,330
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers87% · $46,350
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers84% · $48,220
- Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers84% · $46,170
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators83% · $50,690
Majors that lead here
- Welding Technology/Welder
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.