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Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $27K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $32K
Median Salary: $39K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $48K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $58K
Demand
Core Tasks
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.
Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.
Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.
Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.
Compute and record settings for new work, applying knowledge of metal properties, principles of welding, and shop mathematics.
Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.
Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing, and make necessary adjustments to equipment.
Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
Record operational information on specified production reports.
Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.
Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
Fill hoppers and position spouts to direct flow of flux or manually brush flux onto seams of workpieces.
Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.
Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.
Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.
Immerse completed workpieces into water or acid baths to cool and clean components.
Anneal finished workpieces to relieve internal stress.
Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
62%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
56%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
53%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Design
52%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Production and Processing
52%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language
51%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
50%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Building and Construction
47%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Public Safety and Security
47%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Engineering and Technology
44%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
68%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening
63%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
63%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Speaking
63%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
55%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making
55%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension
55%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Top 10 Abilities
Control Precision
70%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision
70%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Manual Dexterity
68%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Problem Sensitivity
65%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Visualization
65%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Category Flexibility
63%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision
63%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity
63%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering
63%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
89%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities
84%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes
78%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
78%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
78%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information
77%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
76%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
75%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
74%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
Operate welding equipment.
Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.
Direct operational or production activities.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.
Operate grinding equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
Record operational or production data.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.
Solder parts or workpieces.
Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Apply solutions to production equipment.
Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
48%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Investigative
48%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
19%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
79%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
77%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
74%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Cooperation
73%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
71%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control
71%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Achievement/Effort
70%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Concern for Others
70%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility
69%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence
69%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Work Values
Support
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
41%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
29%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
