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Career Exploration

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

Also called: Finishing Technician, Mig Welder, Robot Operator, Spot Welder

What they do:

Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

On the job, you would:
  • Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
  • Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
  • Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Integrity

Operating system software

  • Linux
  • Microsoft Windows

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $44,920

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.