Production · SOC 51-4122
Welding machines automate bonding, but setup, inspection, and troubleshooting of complex assemblies still need skilled operators.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic welding cells are expanding rapidly in manufacturing, but specialized machine welding setups for varied assemblies will sustain skilled operator roles through the early 2030s.
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$46,630 median pay
$48,630 median pay
$39,820 median pay
$36,000 median pay
$51,850 median pay
AI job-risk card
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is 26/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
26 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: Reading work orders and setting machine parameters from specs, Recording operational data on production reports, Selecting consumables from data charts for standard jobs, Laying out and fitting standard parts for welding. Harder to automate: Inspecting and measuring weld quality for compliance, Troubleshooting machine faults and correcting problems, Setting up machines for novel joint configurations, Marking and positioning components with precision.
Lean into Welding machine setup and operation, Weld inspection and quality standards, Consumable selection and metallurgy basics, Machine maintenance and fault diagnosis, Process documentation. Consider roles such as Welding Inspector or Robotic Welding Technician or Quality Assurance Technician (Fabrication).
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.