What Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Do

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.

Work Environment

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work outdoors in all types of weather, or they may work indoors, sometimes in a confined area. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, to enter the occupation.

Pay

The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $48,940 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 42,600 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.