### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			welders cutters solderers and brazers imageWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers occasionally must work in awkward positions using hand-held welding, flame-cutting, and soldering tools.							
						Quick Facts:     Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers2023     Median Pay
            						$48,940     per year
										$23.53     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    431,800Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    6,200What Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work outdoors in all types of weather, or they may work indoors, sometimes in a confined area. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
            
                                                How to Become a Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer
                                                
                        
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, to enter the occupation.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $48,940 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 42,600 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Do 
            

			Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazersWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts.			
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal products.
Duties
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers typically do the following:
Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications
Calculate and measure the dimensions of parts to be welded
Inspect structures or materials to be welded
Weld materials according to blueprint specifications
Monitor the welding process and adjust heat as necessary
Maintain equipment and machineryWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use welding torches and other equipment to apply heat to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Some workers specialize in welding; others perform all disciplines or a combination of them.
***Welders*** join metals using a variety of techniques and processes. For example, in arc welding they use machinery that produces electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. Welders usually choose a welding process based on a number of factors, such as the types of metals being joined.
***Cutters*** use heat from an electric arc, a stream of ionized gas called plasma, or burning gases to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. They also dismantle large objects, such as ships, railroad cars, and buildings.
***Solderers*** and ***brazers*** use equipment to heat molten metal and join two or more metal objects. Soldering and brazing are similar, except that the temperature used to melt the filler metal is lower in soldering. Solderers commonly work with small pieces that must be positioned precisely, such as to make computer chips. Brazers connect dissimilar metals through the application of a filler material, which creates strong joints in products created with multiple metals; they also may apply coatings to parts in order to reduce wear and protect against corrosion.
For information on workers who operate welding, soldering, and brazing machines, see the profile on metal and plastic machine workers.
 Work Environment
			Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazersWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wear protective clothing and welding helmets for safety.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers held about 431,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were as follows:
        Manufacturing
                65%Specialty trade contractors
                7Repair and maintenance
                4Self-employed workers
                4Welders and cutters may work outdoors in all types of weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area designed to contain sparks and glare. They may work on a scaffold or platform high off the ground.
In addition, they may have to lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions, such as overhead, while bending, stooping, or standing.
Injuries and Illnesses
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers risk injury on the job. They may be exposed to a number of hazards, including fumes, very hot materials, and intense light created by the arc. Workers avoid injuries by following safety procedures and using personal protective equipment, such as welding helmets, hearing protection, and heat-resistant gloves.
Work Schedules
Most welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Many manufacturing firms have two or three 8- to 12-hour shifts each day, allowing the firm to continue production around the clock if needed. As a result, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work evenings and weekends.
 How to Become a Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

			welders cutters solderers and brazers imageWelders, cutters, solderers, and brazers must have a steady hand to hold a torch in place.			
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, to enter the occupation.
Education & Training
Employers often prefer or require candidates to have a high school diploma or equivalent and technical training. This training may be available through high school technical education classes or programs at vocational–technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding, soldering, and brazing schools. In addition, the U.S. Armed Forces offer welding-related training.
Courses in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and mechanical drawing may be helpful. An understanding of electricity also is useful.
Workers also may enter the occupation through an employer-based apprenticeship program. Some apprenticeships are available for entry-level workers who have no prior experience or training, while others are targeted toward those who have completed a vocational–technical school welding program.
Although some employers hire inexperienced entry-level workers and train them on the job, many prefer to hire workers who have completed training or credentialing programs. Entry-level workers with formal technical training still receive several months of on-the-job training.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Welders must be licensed in some states and localities; requirements vary. Contact individual state or local government licensing agencies for more information.
Professional organizations offer courses leading to general certification. For example, the American Welding Society offers the Certified Welder designation.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers certification in practical welding technology for workers seeking to enhance core competencies, and the Institute for Printed Circuits offers certification and training in soldering.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that welders complete training on electrical safety. Other types of OSHA training are available but generally are not required.
Some employers require general or specific certification for particular jobs. They may pay the cost of training and testing for employees.
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented*.** Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers perform precision work, often with straight edges. The ability to see characteristics of the joint and detect changes in molten metal flows requires attention to detail.
***Manual dexterity*.** Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers must have a steady hand to hold a torch in place. They also need good hand–eye coordination.
***Physical stamina*.** These workers must be able to endure long periods in awkward positions while bending, stooping, or standing.
***Physical strength*.** Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers must be able to lift heavy pieces of metal and move welding or cutting equipment.
***Spatial-orientation skills*.** Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers must be able to read and interpret two- and three-dimensional diagrams in order to fit metal products correctly.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and BrazersMedian annual wages, May 2023Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers$48,940  Total, all occupations$48,060  Metal workers and plastic workers$46,860Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $48,940 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,830, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,970.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Specialty trade contractors
                $53,250Repair and maintenance
                50,610Manufacturing
                48,110Wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers vary with the worker’s experience and skill level, the industry, and the size of the company.
Most welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Many manufacturing firms have two or three 8- to 12-hour shifts each day, allowing the firm to continue production around the clock if needed. As a result, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work evenings and weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and BrazersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers1%  Metal workers and plastic workers-3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 42,600 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. These workers also will be needed in manufacturing plants, such as those that produce metal products and machinery. However, automation in manufacturing may limit overall demand for these workers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers**
			51-4121
			431,800
			438,000
			1
			6,200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Assemblers and Fabricators**
            Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $39,720**Boilermakers**
            Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $71,140**Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights**
            Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,170**Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers**
            Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, construct, adjust, repair, appraise and sell jewelry.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,450**Machinists and Tool and Die Makers**
            Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
            See How to Become One
            $53,180**Metal and Plastic Machine Workers**
            Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
            See How to Become One
            $44,880**Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters**
            Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,550**Sheet Metal Workers**
            Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,780
 Contacts for More Information
								
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this occupation, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, or local businesses that employ welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, visit
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Welding Society
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International
Institute for Printed Circuits
Precision Machined Products Association

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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