Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median of $47,920 per year ($23.04/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 8.9% through 2035, with about 2,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4122
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender in four numbers
- Median pay
- $47,920a year, or $23.04/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $37KTop 10% $67K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -8.9%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−8.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −8.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,50032,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202532.9K
- Projected 203530K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 32.9K Projected 2035 30K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school21.8%
- High school32%
- Certificate35.8%
- Some college10.4%
Highest education held by welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders Segment Value Less than high school 21.8% High school 32% Certificate 35.8% Some college 10.4%
Also advertised as: Braze Operator, Certified Welder, Fabricator, Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech), Laser Operator, Machine Operator.
Pay
How much do Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make?
Every welding, soldering, and brazing machine setter, operator, and tender in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$47,920
Middle half earn $40,560 to $57,390
- 10th
- $36,860
- 25th
- $40,560
- 75th
- $57,390
- 90th
- $66,540
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $36,860 |
| 25th | $40,560 |
| Median | $47,920 |
| 75th | $57,390 |
| 90th | $66,540 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $47,920
- Median hourly wage
- $23.04/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $50,220
- People employed
- 31,600
Versus all US occupations
At $47,920, Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn 6% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $3,060 a year.
Versus production occupations
The median is typical for the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $66,540 or more while the bottom 10% earn $36,860, a gap of 1.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 18% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Arizona pays the most at $70,150, and still leads at $69,678 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Arizona | $70,150 | $69,678 | 280 |
| 2Alaska | $62,700 | $61,255 | 50 |
| 3Washington | $58,990 | $55,124 | 50 |
| 4Illinois | $58,840 | $58,865 | 180 |
| 5Oregon | $58,650 | $56,743 | 250 |
| 6Wisconsin | $57,640 | $61,257 | 1,150 |
| 7Minnesota | $57,560 | $58,365 | 670 |
| 8Nebraska | $57,280 | $63,572 | 650 |
| 9Missouri | $56,210 | $61,894 | 560 |
| 10New Jersey | $53,680 | $49,336 | 510 |
Job outlook
Is Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -8.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | −8.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders to change -8.9% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 2,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,500 openings are projected each year, 7.6% of the 32,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many 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.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
Getting in
How to become a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders.
- Post-Secondary Certificate35.8%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
- Less than a High School Diploma21.8%
- Some College Courses10.4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 35.8% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 32% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 21.8% |
| Some College Courses | 10.4% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender 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.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
- Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
- Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
- Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.
- Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
- Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
- Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Listening3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Critical Thinking3.0
- Monitoring3.0
- Active Learning2.6
- Writing2.3
- Mathematics2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.6 |
| Writing | 2.3 |
| Mathematics | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.4
- Operation and Control3.3
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Coordination2.6
- Time Management2.6
- Social Perceptiveness2.4
- Equipment Maintenance2.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Coordination | 2.6 |
| Time Management | 2.6 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.4 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Industrial control software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.9
- Investigative2.0
- Enterprising1.5
- Artistic1.3
- Social1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
- Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school - Production
Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler
$65,380median a year
Most earn $47K to $108K
−5.6%High school - Production
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
More production careers
Median annual pay, with welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender$47,920
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender | $47,920 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender appears on
Questions
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender: frequently asked questions
How much do Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make?
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median of $47,920 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 6% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.04/hr. The middle half earn between $40,560 and $57,390. The top 10% earn $66,540 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 35.8% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 8.9% over 2025–2035, a loss of 2,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders the most?
The highest state medians for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are Arizona ($70,150), Alaska ($62,700), Washington ($58,990) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender?
O*NET scores Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.