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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders to decrease by -8.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 32,900 to 30,000 jobs. Its estimate of 2,500 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($47,920), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
32,900
Projected employment (2034)
30,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
-9%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,500
Pay & Preparation
$47,920
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.38/5) • Operation and Control (3.25/5) • Active Listening (3/5) • Complex Problem Solving (3/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Monitoring (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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