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How to become welders, cutters, solderers, and brazerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.