Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers?AI replacement risk 33% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$53,750
25th–75th pct. $46,790–$63,010
Top pay (est.)
$100,800
Top 10% $77,530
Pay in 5 years
$62,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$72,600est.
$62,400–$84,300
Outlook score
50/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
33%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.4%
40K openings / yr

Will AI replace Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers? AI replacement risk

33%
Low
Ranked #287 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Key skills

Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Monitoring
2.8
Judgment and Decision Making
2.6
Operation and Control
2.5
Complex Problem Solving
2.5
Operations Monitoring
2.5
Active Listening
2.4
Critical Thinking
2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
3.4
Mechanical
3.2
Engineering and Technology
2.7
Design
2.6
Education and Training
2.6
English Language
2.2
Mathematics
2.2
Administration and Management
2.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessVisualizationControl PrecisionFinger DexterityOral Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma
54%
Less than high school
21%
Post-secondary certificate
12%
Some college
11%
Associate's degree
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
28%
1–3 months
18%
6–12 months
16%
3–6 months
15%
None / short demo
9%
1–2 years
8%
2–4 years
7%

Related work experience

1–2 years
34%
2–4 years
19%
None
13%
6–12 months
10%
Up to 1 month
6%
1–3 months
6%
4–6 years
4%
6–8 years
4%
3–6 months
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.