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Career Profile

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

What they do:

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:

Braze Operator, Certified Welder, Fabricator, Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech), Laser Operator, Machine Operator, Mig Welder, Spot Welder, Weld Technician (Weld Tech), Welding Operator, Braze Operator, Certified Welder, Fabricator, Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech), Laser Operator, Machine Operator, Mig Welder, Spot Welder, Weld Technician (Weld Tech), Welding Operator

KY Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$39,410
Starting Salary (2025)
$50,740
Median Salary (2025)
-9.0%
Projected Job Growth
1,000
KY Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.
Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Initiative
Cooperation
Self-Control
Integrity

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 50%
  • Post-secondary certificate 29%
  • Less than high school 20%
  • Some college 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.