Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Production
Blueprints, work orders, and production schedules tell what the machine or robot should weld, solder, braze, or heat-treat. Parts are laid out and fitted, surfaces prepared with grinders, cutters, or drills, and torch tips, alloys, flux, or wire selected for the metal. The operator then runs the welding machine, checks finished work with measuring and testing devices, and fixes problems by adjusting controls or stopping the machine and opening holding devices. Operational details go onto production reports. Suits people who like running production welding equipment from written specs and catching defects before a batch moves on.
Typical education: Post-Secondary Certificate (vocational/technical)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$47'920
Median Wage Market Position
$47'920
What you might do
- Operate machines that weld or solder metal parts
- Read blueprints and work orders for instructions
- Test finished pieces against the required specs
- Adjust or stop machines when problems arise
- Choose torch tips, alloys, flux, and wire
- Grind or drill metal surfaces before bonding
Skills that matter
- Reading blueprints for bonding specifications
- Setting torch tips, alloys, and flux
- Watching machines that weld or braze parts
- Freeing jams by stopping and opening fixtures
- Logging results on production reports
- Listening for schedule and setup changes
AI & the future of this role
Programmed welding and laser cells already automate much joining once fixtures and paths are set. Operators still handle setup, quality checks, and exceptions, though smarter equipment could shrink the need for continuous tending.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details