Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Career Guide - Salary, Skills, Education & Job Outlook

What does a 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.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level

$35,780

10th percentile

Early Career

$39,480

25th percentile

Median

$47,060

50th percentile

Experienced

$55,870

75th percentile

Top Earners

$66,190

90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th

$35,780

25th

$39,480

Middle 50%

MEDIAN

$47,060

Mean: $49,270

75th

$55,870

90th

$66,190

Middle 50% of earners

Median salary

Mean (average)

Key Insights

•Salary range spans $30,410 from entry level to top earners
•Middle 50% earn between $39,480 and $55,870
•Salary spread is 34.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
•Total national employment: 36,290 professionals

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1

Operations Monitoring

100%

#2

Operation and Control

92%

#3

Critical Thinking

82%

#4

Speaking

74%

#5

Reading Comprehension

66%

#6

Complex Problem Solving

58%

#7

Active Listening

48%

#8

Monitoring

40%

Skills Overview

Operations Monitoring

advanced5.0

100%

Operation and Control

advanced4.6

92%

Critical Thinking

intermediate4.1

82%

Speaking

intermediate3.7

74%

Reading Comprehension

basic3.3

66%

Complex Problem Solving

advanced2.9

58%

Active Listening

basic2.4

48%

Monitoring

basic2.0

40%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:

Sort by:

Operations Monitoring

advanced

Importance100%

skills

5.0/5.0

Operation and Control

advanced

Importance92%

abilities

4.6/5.0

Critical Thinking

intermediate

Importance82%

abilities

4.1/5.0

Speaking

intermediate

Importance74%

skills

3.7/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic

Importance66%

abilities

3.3/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced

Importance58%

abilities

2.9/5.0

Active Listening

basic

Importance48%

skills

2.4/5.0

Monitoring

basic

Importance40%

skills

2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders89%

5 shared skills

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic89%

5 shared skills

Conveyor Operators and Tenders88%

5 shared skills

Power Plant Operators80%

5 shared skills

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels80%

5 shared skills

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders80%

5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Learn on the Job:

→Reading Comprehension
→Complex Problem Solving

Mid Career

Expected:

✓Operations Monitoring
✓Operation and Control
✓Critical Thinking

Senior Level

Mastery Required:

★Operation and Control
★Critical Thinking
★Speaking

Skill Development Tips

•Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
•Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
•Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
•Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Technology Intensity

High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires advanced digital literacy

1

Basic

2

Intermediate

3

Advanced

4

Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration

🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

SAP software

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

🔥 Hot Tech

Linux

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Windows

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft PowerPoint

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Microsoft Outlook

SAP software

Microsoft Office software

Linux

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

•Vendor-specific software certifications
•Industry-recognized technology credentials
•Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

•LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
•Coursera - University-level programs
•Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

•Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
•Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
•Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
•Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏢

Location

MOSTLY INDOOR

💪

Physical Demand

MODERATE

👥

Team Orientation

MOSTLY TEAM

🤝

Customer Interaction

FREQUENT

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

•Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
•Can you meet moderate physical demands?
•Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
•Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21

Core Tasks

8

Daily Tasks

20

Work Activities

0

Emerging Tasks

Filter:

Sort by:

Training & Development (2)Operations & Execution (1)General Responsibilities (12)Management & Supervision (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (5)

1

Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

100%

Training & Development100% perform

2

Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

98%

Operations & Execution97% perform

3

Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

96%

General Responsibilities94% perform

4

Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

94%

Management & Supervision91% perform

5

Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

92%

General Responsibilities88% perform

6

Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

90%

General Responsibilities85% perform

7

Record operational information on specified production reports.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

88%

Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform

8

Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.

🔴

Daily

Importance:

86%

General Responsibilities79% perform

9

Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

84%

Training & Development76% perform

10

Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.

🟡

Weekly

Importance:

82%

General Responsibilities73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

•Daily tasks focus primarily on training & development activities
•33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
•Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0

Advancement Opportunities

0

Lateral Move Options

0%

Avg. Salary Increase

Compare Paths (select up to 3)

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

💡 Career Planning Tips

•Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
•Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
•Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
•Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support

RRealistic

CConventional

IInvestigative

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Attention to Detail

Very Important

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.17

Dependability

Important

Dependability

Importance Level3.94

Integrity

Important

Integrity

Importance Level3.78

Self-Control

Important

Self-Control

Importance Level3.71

Cooperation

Important

Cooperation

Importance Level3.64

Independence

Important

Independence

Importance Level3.60

Complete Work Styles Profile

Attention to Detail

4.2

Dependability

3.9

Integrity

3.8

Self-Control

3.7

Cooperation

3.6

Independence

3.6

Persistence

3.6

Analytical Thinking

3.6

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

•While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
•Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
•Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
•Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Typical duration: High school diploma or GED

Preparation Level

Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Training:

Training of a few months to a year

💼 Experience Requirement

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful

Common pathways to gain experience:

• Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
• Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
• Industry certifications helpful

2

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore educational programs that can help you become a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

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📋 What does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?

💰 How much can you earn?

National Salary Distribution

Key Insights

📊 What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Current Employment

Top Industries

10-Year Outlook

Employment Projections

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Understanding the Data

Key Growth Factors

💡 What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

Skills Overview

Operations Monitoring

Operation and Control

Critical Thinking

Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Complex Problem Solving

Active Listening

Monitoring

Highly Transferable Skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Mid Career

Senior Level

Skill Development Tips

💻 What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Digital Literacy Requirements

Key Digital Competencies:

Hot Technologies in Demand

Microsoft Outlook

SAP software

Microsoft Office software

Linux

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

Online Learning Platforms

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

🏗️ What's the work environment like?

Work Schedule

Safety & Health Considerations

Work Context Details

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

✅ What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

💡 Key Takeaways

🚀 What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

Advancement Opportunities

💡 Career Planning Tips

🎯 Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Important Personality Traits

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Self-Control

Cooperation

Independence

Complete Work Styles Profile

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

🎓 What education is required?

Education Level

Preparation Level

Experience Needed

📚 Education Requirement

💼 Experience Requirement

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

What does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do?

How much can you earn?

What's the job outlook?

What skills do you need?

What technology will you use?

What's the work environment like?

What are the key tasks?

What career paths are available?

Is this career right for you?

What education is required?