Welding and Soldering Machine Operators

At a Glance

Read and interpret blueprints and work orders
Often wear face shields and safety goggles
Usually work alone and indoors
Often work shifts up to twelve hours long
Some train through high school, union, or professional technical programs
Most train on the job

Career summary

Welding and soldering machine operators run machines that weld pieces of metal together.

Welding and soldering machine operators begin their work by reading blueprints or work orders. They set up the machines by adjusting attachments and setting controls. They often program settings into machines. They often do test runs to make sure everything is working properly.

Machine operators add solutions to cool the work piece or help the metal bond more easily. They lay out and fit together pieces before they are welded together. They sometimes load or feed the work piece into the machine. Some operators control robots that prepare and load work pieces automatically.

Operators monitor the machine to be sure it produces the desired welds or bonds. If there are problems, they adjust controls or stop the machine and open the holding device. When a product is finished, they inspect, test, or measure it to be sure it meets requirements.

Many operators clean and lubricate their machines. They adjust and maintain the equipment to be sure it works properly. They work with other operators or workers to set up machines.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to welding and soldering machine operators.

Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules for instructions.
Set up machines that weld, solder, or braze fabricated metal products. Adjust fixtures or attachments. Set controls.
Add chemicals or solutions to cool work pieces or to assist bonding.
Conduct tests to make sure equipment is running well before beginning work.
Prepare work pieces. Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded. Load or feed if necessary.
Operate machines and monitor their operation.
Record information on production reports. Compute and record settings for new work.
Correct problems. Adjust controls or stop the machine and open the holding device.
Inspect, measure, or test finished work pieces to ensure requirements are met.
Clean, lubricate, and maintain equipment as needed.
Give direction to other workers about machine set up.

Common work activities

Welding and soldering machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Handle and move objects
Perform activities that use the whole body
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Control machines and processes
Process information
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Identify objects, actions, and events
Evaluate information against standards
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Make decisions and solve problems
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Update and use job-related knowledge
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Teach others
Analyze data or information
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, welding and soldering machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of job-required social contact. Communicate mostly through face-to-face discussions.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are moderately responsible for the work done by other machine operators.
May on occasion be placed in conflict situations where others might be rude or angry.
Sometimes work as part of a work group or team.

Physical work conditions

Always wear face shields or safety goggles.
Nearly always work indoors.
Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Are sometimes exposed to chemical contaminants.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations and equipment that produce cuts or minor burns. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from this exposure.
Are sometimes exposed to very hot temperatures from machines.
May on occasion be exposed to intensely bright light. This is more likely for soldering and brazing machine operators.
May on occasion be exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions. This is more likely for soldering and brazing machine operators.
May work physically near others, such as when sharing work spaces.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause safety hazards.
Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the machinery.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Sometimes make decisions that affect their employer's reputation. They often seek input from a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work a 40-hour week.
May work many hours of overtime.
May work in shifts as long as 12 hours.

Physical demands

Welding and soldering machine operators frequently:

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

It is important for welding and soldering machine operators to be able to:

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for welding and soldering machine operators to be able to:

Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Determine the distance between objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.

Skills and abilities

Welding and soldering machine operators need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operate and control equipment.

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 welding or soldering machine operator, you typically need to:

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

Education after high school

Some welding and soldering machine operators learn their skills through formal training programs. 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 how to set and operate welding machines. An increasing number of welding machines are automated so courses in computers are very helpful.

On-the-job training

Many welding and soldering machine operators learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. You begin by helping and gradually learn to operate welding machines. As you get more experience, you learn to operate computer-controlled machines. Some employers will send you to a training program to learn additional skills.

On-the-job training can take anywhere from one month up to a year. This varies by employer, your skills, and what you are welding.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, entry requirements for apprenticeship training usually include:

being at least 18 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 5/11/11 due to apprenticeship programs mentioned in training section, cj. General info still accurate 5/15/13, 4/27/15, 2/28/17, 1/29/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry 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
Drafting
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 that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer applicants who have knowledge of computers. This is because some machine operators program computer-controlled machinery. This mainly applies to those who set up the machines.

Employers look for applicants who have good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and hand control. Applicants should also be in good physical condition.

Costs to workers

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

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.

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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

Wages

Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-4122)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.20	$15.15	$18.55	$27.79	$46.39
	Monthly	$2,288	$2,625	$3,215	$4,816	$8,039
	Yearly	$27,460	$31,500	$38,590	$57,800	$96,500
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$13.40	$15.65	$20.11	$43.25	$48.81
	Monthly	$2,322	$2,712	$3,485	$7,495	$8,459
	Yearly	$27,874	$32,549	$41,828	$89,948	$101,520
Vancouver	Hourly	$15.36	$17.21	$19.72	$24.32	$29.48
	Monthly	$2,662	$2,982	$3,417	$4,215	$5,109
	Yearly	$31,948	$35,797	$41,012	$50,599	$61,310
United States	Hourly	$12.59	$14.93	$18.11	$22.19	$26.15
	Monthly	$2,182	$2,587	$3,138	$3,846	$4,532
	Yearly	$26,200	$31,050	$37,670	$46,160	$54,400

Some machine operators work a great deal of overtime. Overtime hours increase monthly earnings.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The operator's level of skill and responsibility also affect wages.

Welding and soldering machine operators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

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.

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (SOC 51-4122)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	76	2.6%	16.1%	8
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	14	7.1%	14.6%	2
King County	29	-3.4%	19.6%	3
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	10	10.0%	13.8%	1
Snohomish County	15	6.7%	12.4%	2
United States	37,700	-7.7%	5.2%	3,700

National employment

Almost all welding and soldering machine workers are employed in manufacturing industries.

Major employers:

Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
Structural metal products manufacturers
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline. Job prospects are best for workers who can operate computer-controlled machines and who have certifications. Workers who have a background in machine operations and good knowledge of the properties of metals will also have good job opportunities.

Job 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

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.com

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122.00)

O*Net job zone

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.