Welders and Solderers

At a Glance

Repair and join metal parts using heat and tools
Often wear safety shoes, goggles, and hoods with protective lenses
Usually work alone and indoors
May work up to 70 hours per week
Usually train on the job
Some train through formal training programs
May need to be certified

Career summary

Welders and solderers use heat to permanently join pieces of metal.

Welders work from drawings or detailed work orders. They decide the best way to repair or join metal parts.

Welders use welding equipment such as arc, gas, and flame torches. Solderers generally use soldering irons.

Welders position and secure the work piece. They may use a hoist or crane to move large pieces or hand tools to clamp small pieces into place. Once the pieces are positioned, welders use tools or chemical cleaners to clean the surface of metal pieces. They connect hoses or nozzles, and ignite the torch or start the power supply. They adjust valves to regulate the flow of gas and air.

Welders and solderers also repair broken or cracked metal parts. They sometimes fill holes and seams in metal products. When the job is complete, they chip or grind off excess weld or solder, using hand or power tools.

Welders and solderers examine their work to be sure it meets requirements. They clean all equipment parts using a variety of cleaning solutions and chemicals.

Welders and solderers help build products and structures such as:

Aircraft
Automobiles
Buildings
Bridges
Ships

Some welders and solderers braze and solder electronics and other small equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Welders and Metal Workers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to welders and solderers.

Read blueprints or work orders, and inspect metal work pieces to plan work.
Select and set up welding or soldering equipment. May use manual or semi-automatic welding.
Position and secure work piece, using hoist, hand tools, or other equipment. Prepare surfaces.
Ignite torch or start power supply. Adjust valves to regulate flow.
Weld, fuse, or solder metal parts together. Use flat, vertical, horizontal, or overhead positions.
Repair broken or cracked parts, or fill holes and seams in metal products.
Chip or grind off excess weld or solder, using hand or power tools or welding equipment.
Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes. Avoid overheating of parts.
Examine welds and solders to be sure they meet requirements, using various instruments.
Use heat to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions.
Operate safety equipment and observe strict safe work habits.
Clean equipment using cleaning solutions or chemical compounds.

Common work activities

Welders and solderers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Handle and move objects
Control machines and processes
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Identify objects, actions, and events
Perform activities that use the whole body
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Think creatively
Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, welders and solderers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact. They usually work alone but also interact with supervisors throughout the day.
Sometimes work as part of a team.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others who are working nearby.

Physical work conditions

Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions work outdoors. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning.
Often wear safety shoes, goggles, and hoods with protective lenses. May wear other devices to protect them from burns, eye injuries, and falling objects.
Are often exposed to contaminants that give off toxic fumes.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that result in burns.
Are sometimes exposed to sound and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment.
Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures from working outdoors.
May share work space with other welders and solderers.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could endanger workers' safety.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Must allow work pace to be determined by the speed of equipment.
Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals with input from a supervisor first.
Must meet strict weekly and daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work a 40-hour week.
May work overtime, up to 70 hours a week.
May work in shifts as long as 12 hours.

Physical demands

Welders and solderers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for welders and solderers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for welders and solderers to be able to:

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Determine the distance between objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Welders and solderers need to:

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a welder or solderer, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some welders and solderers learn their skills through a formal training program. High schools, professional-technical schools, and two-year colleges all offer welding programs. There are also private welding schools and training programs offered by unions. In a training program, you learn:

equipment use;
flame cutting;
arc welding; and
brazing and soldering.

Training can last a few weeks for low-skilled work. It takes many years to be fully trained.

Work experience

Welding or soldering experience is helpful.

On-the-job training

Most welders and solderers learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin as a helper and gradually learn to operate welding equipment. Some employers will send you for additional training. Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be welders and metal workers. Training lasts four to 15 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, entry requirements for apprenticeship training usually include:

being at least 17 years old;
a high school diploma or equivalent or sufficient education to meet trade requirements;
the ability to physically perform the work of the trade;
completion of pre-employment safety and orientation procedure;
reliable transportation to job sites; and
an interview with the apprenticeship committee may be required.

Union apprentices and journey-level workers are often subject to random drug testing.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added 1/18/10 lh due to apprenticeship programs mentioned in training section. General info still accurate 5/15/13, 4/27/15, 2/28/17 cj, 4/6/18 lh, 1/29/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements (external link) . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Fundamentals
Construction
Drafting
Electricity
Electronics
Industrial Arts
Physical Education
Welding

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have welding or soldering experience or training. They look for people who have good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. The ability to concentrate on detailed work for long periods is also important. Welders should be in good physical shape so they can bend, stoop, and work in awkward positions.

Generally, it takes several years to become a skilled arc or gas welder and somewhat longer to become a combination welder. Some jobs can be learned after a few months of on-the-job training. Some employers require applicants to have a valid Washington State driver's license. Applicants may also be required to pass a welding test. Many employers require a drug screening test.

Tips

Frequent training in this field to broaden and keep your skills up to date is important.

Costs to workers

Some welders and solderers may join a union and pay an initiation fee and dues. Some employers require workers to supply their own gloves, boots, welding hood, goggles, and tool box.

Licensing/certification

Certification is required for some specialized welding jobs. Workers may also have to pass practical exams and pay a fee to become certified. Some employers pay for testing. Exams are offered at several community and technical colleges in the state.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers (SOC 51-4121)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$16.34	$19.31	$23.93	$29.04	$34.35
	Monthly	$2,832	$3,346	$4,147	$5,033	$5,953
	Yearly	$33,990	$40,160	$49,770	$60,410	$71,460
Bellingham	Hourly	$16.44	$20.26	$23.09	$26.05	$29.71
	Monthly	$2,849	$3,511	$4,001	$4,514	$5,149
	Yearly	$34,191	$42,140	$48,028	$54,179	$61,794
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$18.82	$23.77	$28.17	$34.04	$38.61
	Monthly	$3,262	$4,119	$4,882	$5,899	$6,691
	Yearly	$39,142	$49,439	$58,582	$70,797	$80,318
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$14.40	$17.04	$20.75	$27.35	$30.50
	Monthly	$2,496	$2,953	$3,596	$4,740	$5,286
	Yearly	$29,964	$35,448	$43,171	$56,884	$63,447
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$17.38	$20.26	$25.20	$30.39	$42.73
	Monthly	$3,012	$3,511	$4,367	$5,267	$7,405
	Yearly	$36,142	$42,137	$52,419	$63,215	$88,885
Longview	Hourly	$16.26	$19.57	$22.93	$28.35	$39.87
	Monthly	$2,818	$3,391	$3,974	$4,913	$6,909
	Yearly	$33,817	$40,689	$47,695	$58,968	$82,936
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$20.29	$23.60	$27.72	$32.32	$37.32
	Monthly	$3,516	$4,090	$4,804	$5,601	$6,468
	Yearly	$42,217	$49,090	$57,662	$67,219	$77,636
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$12.59	$19.56	$24.46	$28.46	$40.14
	Monthly	$2,182	$3,390	$4,239	$4,932	$6,956
	Yearly	$26,182	$40,675	$50,876	$59,190	$83,486
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$17.07	$20.61	$25.84	$30.49	$36.15
	Monthly	$2,958	$3,572	$4,478	$5,284	$6,265
	Yearly	$35,516	$42,863	$53,748	$63,430	$75,190
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$16.45	$18.18	$21.37	$25.52	$31.38
	Monthly	$2,851	$3,151	$3,703	$4,423	$5,438
	Yearly	$34,215	$37,802	$44,441	$53,080	$65,274
Vancouver	Hourly	$16.81	$19.47	$22.83	$27.02	$32.14
	Monthly	$2,913	$3,374	$3,956	$4,683	$5,570
	Yearly	$34,951	$40,503	$47,483	$56,200	$66,853
Walla Walla	Hourly	$12.83	$15.36	$18.48	$23.08	$28.12
	Monthly	$2,223	$2,662	$3,203	$4,000	$4,873
	Yearly	$26,677	$31,955	$38,443	$47,994	$58,478
Wenatchee	Hourly	$13.70	$15.58	$17.82	$21.39	$35.31
	Monthly	$2,374	$2,700	$3,088	$3,707	$6,119
	Yearly	$28,479	$32,410	$37,060	$44,493	$73,451
Yakima	Hourly	$13.78	$16.02	$19.07	$22.99	$26.37
	Monthly	$2,388	$2,776	$3,305	$3,984	$4,570
	Yearly	$28,654	$33,319	$39,665	$47,830	$54,847
United States	Hourly	$13.73	$16.43	$19.89	$24.73	$30.64
	Monthly	$2,379	$2,847	$3,447	$4,286	$5,310
	Yearly	$28,560	$34,180	$41,380	$51,430	$63,740

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary based on the number of hours worked. Many welders and solderers work overtime and earn more than the wages displayed. In addition, more than one-fourth of welders and solderers belong to unions. Union members often earn higher wages than non-union members.

Benefits vary by employer. Most full-time welders and solderers earn typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (SOC 51-4121)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	9,479	7.7%	16.1%	1,185
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	268	14.6%	13.4%	38
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	250	2.0%	8.6%	27
Benton and Franklin Counties	215	13.0%	15.0%	30
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	803	2.0%	11.9%	88
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	920	8.9%	15.2%	118
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	256	5.9%	14.1%	31
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	875	12.1%	14.6%	120
King County	2,502	5.2%	19.6%	295
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	328	8.2%	13.8%	41
Pierce County	849	10.7%	15.2%	113
Snohomish County	1,061	9.4%	12.4%	138
Spokane County	808	10.8%	13.9%	108
United States	424,700	3.4%	5.2%	48,800

National employment

Welders work mostly in metal manufacturing industries. Solderers often work on electronic equipment.

Major employers:

Architectural and structural metals manufacturers
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturers
Commercial and industrial machinery manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is slower than average. The basic skills of welding are similar across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most.

The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings.

Job prospects should be excellent for welders with the right skills. Many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants. In addition, other openings will arise as workers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

American Welding Society
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166
800.443.9353
305.443.9353

Careers in Welding

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Precision Metalforming Association
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Welding and Joining Technologies

Welding.com

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.