Production · SOC 51-4121
Welding is physically demanding and positionally varied — robots handle repetitive seams but not complex or field work.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic welding covers high-volume automotive seams now, but structural, field, and specialty welding will demand certified human welders for at least 15 years.
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Production
$55,770 median pay
$35,950 median pay
$44,980 median pay
$45,700 median pay
$37,660 median pay
AI job-risk card
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is 18/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
18 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Analyzing standard engineering drawings and work orders for layout. Harder to automate: Welding in overhead, vertical, and confined positions, Detecting faulty equipment and defective materials by inspection, Safe equipment operation in hazardous environments, Adapting technique to varied metals, thicknesses, and conditions.
Lean into Multi-process welding (MIG, TIG, Stick), Welding metallurgy and procedure qualification, Welding inspection and code compliance (AWS/ASME), Blueprint and weld symbol interpretation, Industrial safety. Consider roles such as Welding Inspector (CWI) or Welding Engineer or Pipefitter/Pipe Welder.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.