Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use specialized equipment to join metal parts or repair metal products by melting and fusing materials together. They work in manufacturing plants, construction sites, shipyards, and repair shops, following blueprints and specifications to create strong, precise joints in everything from automotive parts to structural steel.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves setting up equipment, reading technical drawings, and performing welds or cuts on metal components. Welders may spend hours at a workstation joining pieces together, inspecting their work for quality, and making adjustments. Work includes preparing metal surfaces, measuring and marking cut lines, and testing joints to ensure they meet strength and safety standards. Physical demands include standing for extended periods and working in hot environments.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on tasks over abstract concepts. You follow established procedures carefully, take pride in precision and craftsmanship, and are comfortable working with machines and metal in structured shop or construction environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $61,280 | $80,840 | $98,500 | 790 |
| Hawaii | $63,030 | $79,000 | $90,830 | 520 |
| Connecticut | $49,240 | $64,880 | $81,590 | 1,790 |
| Wyoming | $56,380 | $63,820 | $78,890 | 1,850 |
| Washington | $54,740 | $63,020 | $73,650 | 7,720 |
| Massachusetts | $53,680 | $62,570 | $74,050 | 2,830 |
| New Hampshire | $50,620 | $62,360 | $74,420 | 1,110 |
| Louisiana | $50,680 | $62,250 | $77,310 | 13,690 |
| Maine | $51,800 | $62,220 | $69,130 | 1,690 |
| North Dakota | $54,660 | $62,000 | $72,560 | 2,590 |
| Nevada | $48,700 | $61,520 | $76,670 | 1,600 |
| Vermont | $51,190 | $60,890 | $65,490 | 340 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Welding Supervisor — American Welding Society
- Welding for Career-Technical Education — Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Certified Welder — American Welding Society
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) — American Welding Society
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) — American Welding Society
- Structural Welding Special Inspector — International Code Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4121.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.