Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-4122
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $47,060 and -9.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 38,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-4122) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 38,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -9.0% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $47,060, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- 2. Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
- 3. Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.
- 4. Record operational information on specified production reports.
- 5. Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
- 6. Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
- 7. Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
- 8. Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
- 9. Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
- 10. Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders has an AI exposure score of 37%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to decline by 9.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 38,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Key skills for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is $47,060, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).