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Occupation AtlasWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

O*NET · 51-4122.00

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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.

Also called Aluminum Welder · Arc and Gas Welder · Arc Welding Machine Operator · Billet Assembler · Braze Operator · Brazing Machine Operator · Brazing Machine Setter · Brazing Machine Setter Operator
72 more

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Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.90
  • I Investigative2.02
  • E Enterprising1.50
  • A Artistic1.29
  • S Social1.13

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma22%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent32%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate36%
  • Some College Courses10%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (44%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (37%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (46%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Coordination2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
  • Equipment Maintenance2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Social Perceptiveness2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Quality Control Analysis2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Repairing2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Troubleshooting2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Writingbasic2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Equipment Selection2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Instructing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Sciencebasic1.80.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.60.6
  • Installation1.1—
  • Programming1.1—

Tasks

20 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.4.2
  2. Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.4.2
  3. Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.4.0
  4. Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.4.0
  5. Record operational information on specified production reports.4.0
  6. Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.4.0
  7. Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.4.0
  8. Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.4.0
  9. Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.4.0
  10. Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.3.9
  11. Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.3.9
  12. Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.3.9
Show the other 17
  1. Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing, and make necessary adjustments to equipment.3.9
  2. Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.3.9
  3. Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.3.8
  4. Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.3.8
  5. Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.3.8
  6. Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.3.7
  7. Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.3.6
  8. Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.3.5
  9. Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.4.1
  10. Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.3.9
  11. Compute and record settings for new work, applying knowledge of metal properties, principles of welding, and shop mathematics.3.8
  12. Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.3.7
  13. Anneal finished workpieces to relieve internal stress.3.7
  14. Fill hoppers and position spouts to direct flow of flux or manually brush flux onto seams of workpieces.3.6
  15. Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.3.5
  16. Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.3.2
  17. Immerse completed workpieces into water or acid baths to cool and clean components.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Design3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Public Safety and Security2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • English Language2.82.8
  • Mechanical2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Customer and Personal Service2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Engineering and Technology2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and Training2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administrative2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Computers and Electronics2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Building and Construction2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Physics2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sales and Marketing1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Chemistry1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Law and Government1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Communications and Media1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Telecommunications1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Psychology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Control Precision3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Visualization3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Reaction Time3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speech Clarity3.02.6
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Oral Comprehension2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Static Strength2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Written Comprehension2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Depth Perception2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Dynamic Strength2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Written Expression2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Response Orientation2.32.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Explosive Strength2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Glare Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Originality2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.12.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Night Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.60.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.13.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.85.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Thinking Creatively3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.42.8
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.22.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Training and Teaching Others3.12.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.02.9
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.02.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.02.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.02.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing and Building Teams2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.6
  • Working with Computers2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange greetings with a coworker
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.3
  • Spend Time Standing4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.2

Technology

10 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (8)

  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • Email software
  • Tool center point TCP setting software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  2. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
  4. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
  6. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
  7. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  8. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.