Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use various hand-held or remotely controlled tools to join, cut, or repair metal parts. This field requires a combination of manual skills, precision, and safety practices. They work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and repair services. This guide breaks down the career path for these roles, from entry-level to senior-level positions.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $51,000 per year

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): 2% (slower than average)

  • Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • Work Experience: None for entry-level

  • On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

  • Job Titles: Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Vocational training or high school technical courses in subjects like blueprint reading, mathematics, and electricity can be helpful.

  • Experience: None required. Some employers may hire inexperienced workers and provide on-the-job training.

  • Certifications: Certification can be beneficial but not required at the entry level. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers the Certified Welder designation.

  • Core Duties:

    • Operate hand-held welding or cutting equipment

    • Perform precision welding, cutting, or brazing tasks

    • Follow blueprints or specifications to ensure proper metal joining

    • Monitor the quality of work and adjust processes accordingly

  • Salary Range: $38,130 – $51,000 per year

  • Key Skills:

    • Manual dexterity

    • Attention to detail

    • Ability to follow safety protocols

    • Basic math skills (for measurements)

Mid-Level Role: Senior Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

  • Job Titles: Senior Welder, Lead Cutter, Welding Supervisor

  • Education: High school diploma or vocational training in welding or related fields; specialized courses in advanced welding techniques.

  • Experience: 3–5 years of hands-on experience in welding, cutting, soldering, or brazing.

  • Certifications: More specialized certifications from AWS or ASME are advantageous.

  • Core Duties:

    • Supervise or mentor junior welders and technicians

    • Troubleshoot issues in welding or cutting processes

    • Perform more complex welding tasks (e.g., structural welding or high-precision projects)

    • Manage quality control procedures and ensure compliance with safety regulations

  • Salary Range: $51,000 – $60,000 per year

  • Key Skills:

    • Leadership and team management

    • Advanced welding techniques

    • Problem-solving

    • Technical drawing interpretation

Senior-Level Role: Welding Foreman, Master Welder, Welding Engineer

  • Job Titles: Welding Foreman, Welding Manager, Welding Inspector

  • Education: High school diploma or higher education in welding technology or mechanical engineering is beneficial. Some roles may require certifications or degrees in welding engineering.

  • Experience: 7+ years in the field with strong leadership skills and advanced technical expertise.

  • Certifications: AWS Certified Welding Supervisor, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

  • Core Duties:

    • Oversee welding and fabrication operations

    • Ensure safety compliance and high-quality standards in all welding processes

    • Coordinate with project managers and other departments to meet production goals

    • Conduct training for junior staff on advanced welding techniques

    • Manage budgeting and scheduling for large welding projects

  • Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,850+ per year

  • Key Skills:

    • High-level technical expertise in welding processes

    • Strong leadership and project management abilities

    • Budgeting and cost management

    • Safety and regulatory compliance

3. How to Become a Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

Education Requirements:

  • Entry-Level: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent. Vocational courses in welding or related technical fields are often helpful.

  • Mid-Level: Vocational training or apprenticeships with certifications such as AWS Certified Welder can be useful.

  • Senior-Level: Advanced certifications or degrees in welding technology, mechanical engineering, or management are often required for supervisory and leadership roles.

Work Experience:

  • Entry-Level: On-the-job training or apprenticeship programs provide foundational skills in welding, cutting, soldering, and brazing.

  • Mid-Level: 3–5 years of experience handling different welding projects, including managing more complex welding tasks.

  • Senior-Level: Extensive experience (7+ years) in welding, leading teams, and managing complex projects.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

  • Entry-Level: Certification may not be required, but obtaining certifications such as AWS Certified Welder can enhance job prospects.

  • Mid-Level: Certification in specialized welding techniques and safety protocols from organizations like AWS or ASME is often required.

  • Senior-Level: AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or other management-related certifications, as well as a deeper understanding of industrial welding standards.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

  • Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle welding tools and metalwork precisely.

  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring high-quality work and compliance with specifications.

  • Physical Stamina: Welding and cutting often require standing for long periods, working in awkward positions, and lifting heavy equipment.

  • Problem-Solving: Identifying and solving welding issues efficiently.

  • Leadership (for Mid- and Senior-Level Roles): Managing teams and overseeing large-scale projects.

Tools & Equipment:

  • Welding Equipment: MIG, TIG, arc, and stick welders.

  • Cutting Tools: Plasma cutters, oxy-fuel cutting equipment.

  • Safety Gear: Welding helmets, gloves, jackets, and hearing protection.

  • Blueprints and Specifications: Understanding technical drawings for welding and cutting tasks.

5. Work Environment

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Manufacturing Facilities: Where most welders are employed.

  • Construction Sites: For welding and metalwork in infrastructure projects.

  • Repair and Maintenance: Fixing metal parts in various industries.

Work Schedule:

  • Most work full-time, but some may work more than 40 hours per week, especially in industries like manufacturing, where multiple shifts are common.

6. Pay

  • Median Annual Wage (2024): $51,000 per year

  • Salaries by Specialty:

    • Specialty Trade Contractors: $57,310

    • Repair and Maintenance: $53,300

    • Manufacturing: $49,740

7. Job Outlook

  • Job Growth: 2% from 2023–2033 (slower than average).

  • Annual Openings: 9,300 job openings each year due to retirements and the need to replace workers.

8. Related Occupations

  • Assemblers and Fabricators: Building products from parts, working with metals.

  • Boilermakers: Assembling and maintaining large containers such as boilers.

  • Machinists and Tool and Die Makers: Making and repairing precision tools and parts.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

  • Books:

    • "Welding For Dummies" by Steven Robert Farnsworth

    • "The Welding Encyclopedia" by Jerry R. Welder

  • Online Courses:

    • LinkedIn Learning: Courses in welding and metalworking basics.

    • Coursera: Offers specialized welding and metallurgy courses.

  • Certifications:

    • Certified Welder (AWS)

    • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) (AWS)

    • Certified Welding Educator (CWE) (AWS)

  • Communities:

    • Reddit: r/Welding for tips and advice from professionals.

    • YouTube: Channels offering tutorials and welding techniques.

 

Keandra Wilson
Previous

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
Next

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians