What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the U.S. earn more than $47,920 a year — the middle 80% land between $36,860 and $66,540. About 31,600 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$47,920typical pay / year
31,600people in this work
$66,540+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Fixing4
Inspect completed metal workpieces
+Inspect the batch of finished brackets from yesterday, verify dimensional tolerances, weld penetration and…
Inspect completed metal workpieces
+Inspect the batch of finished brackets from yesterday, verify dimensional tolerances, weld penetration and surface finish against the customer drawing, tag any nonconforming pieces, photograph defects, and file the signed inspection checklist before shift end Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines
+Tend the three spot-welding stations on Line B during the morning run, keep wire feeders and flux hoppers…
Tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines
+Tend the three spot-welding stations on Line B during the morning run, keep wire feeders and flux hoppers topped up, swap in the 0.8mm filler spool when prompted, note any misfeeds, and run a two-part test coupon after lunch to confirm weld integrity.
The tools that do the workTool center point TCP settingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Adjust controls on welding machines
+Adjust the power and travel speed settings on the pipeline welder to reduce heat input for the stainless…
Adjust controls on welding machines
+Adjust the power and travel speed settings on the pipeline welder to reduce heat input for the stainless prototype, log the new parameters, weld a 150mm test lap, measure distortion, and confirm settings with engineering before starting the next run.
The tools that do the workTool center point TCP settingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Correct problems by adjusting controls
+When porosity appears on the hood assemblies, adjust shielding gas flow and reduce welding current in 5…
Correct problems by adjusting controls
+When porosity appears on the hood assemblies, adjust shielding gas flow and reduce welding current in 5 percent increments, re-tack the joint, record each control change and weld outcome on the log, then set the corrective parameters that restore acceptable weld quality and inform the shift supervisor.
The tools that do the workTool center point TCP settingjob descriptionsO*NET
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Keeping the record1
Record operational information on reports
+Complete the end-of-shift production report for Cell 4 listing run time, consumables used, filler metal lot…
Record operational information on reports
+Complete the end-of-shift production report for Cell 4 listing run time, consumables used, filler metal lot numbers, defects by type and quantity, and operator sign-off, attach the inspection photos, and submit the report to procurement and quality before I leave.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work15
Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
+Lay out the bracket and gusset parts for the Beta assembly, fit them to the fixture, calculate and mark all…
Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
+Lay out the bracket and gusset parts for the Beta assembly, fit them to the fixture, calculate and mark all production cut and weld dimensions so the first three pieces meet the weld overlap and tolerance callouts.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
+Pick torch tips, filler wire, and flux for the 3/16-inch stainless tube runs in Bay A using the material…
Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
+Pick torch tips, filler wire, and flux for the 3/16-inch stainless tube runs in Bay A using the material chart and the last three welding records so the weld profile and penetration meet the spec.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
+Design and mock up a two-piece holding jig for the prototype arm so it clamps the 12-inch radius without…
Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
+Design and mock up a two-piece holding jig for the prototype arm so it clamps the 12-inch radius without distortion, note clamp points and tolerance shims, and produce a shop sketch to hand to the machinist.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
+Set the amp dial, gas pressure, and cycle timer on the resistance welder for the aluminum run, test three…
Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
+Set the amp dial, gas pressure, and cycle timer on the resistance welder for the aluminum run, test three samples, and record the current, pressure, and dwell settings that produce acceptable nugget size.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
+Clean, lubricate, and inspect the gantry rails and drive sprockets on Press Line 2, replace the worn hose at…
Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
+Clean, lubricate, and inspect the gantry rails and drive sprockets on Press Line 2, replace the worn hose at the left service port, and sign off the maintenance log with parts used and next service date.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
+Remove the finished brackets from the brake press, deburr edges with the file set, stack them in batches of…
Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
+Remove the finished brackets from the brake press, deburr edges with the file set, stack them in batches of fifty with inspection tags, and update the completed parts count in the daily production sheet.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Ensure fulfilment of legal requirements
+Review the welding and material compliance packet for the batch of 4130 aircraft fittings, confirm all…
Ensure fulfilment of legal requirements
+Review the welding and material compliance packet for the batch of 4130 aircraft fittings, confirm all certificates of conformity and traceability are attached, flag any missing test reports to procurement and quality by Wednesday noon, then file the completed package with legal.
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Select filler metal
+Compare the part drawing and heat-treatment notes for the titanium brackets to the filler metal qualification…
Select filler metal
+Compare the part drawing and heat-treatment notes for the titanium brackets to the filler metal qualification matrix, pick the compatible alloy rod and flux that meet strength and corrosion specs, log the selection with justification and batch number before starting tack welds tomorrow morning.
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Prepare production prototypes
+Lay out the prototype build plan for the new chassis subassembly, list required fixtures, weld sequence, and…
Prepare production prototypes
+Lay out the prototype build plan for the new chassis subassembly, list required fixtures, weld sequence, and consumables, schedule a first-article build on Thursday, and send the plan and risk notes to the shop foreman and engineering for sign-off.
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Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.
+Dress the tungsten and copper electrodes by hand using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or a dressing wheel…
Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.
+Dress the tungsten and copper electrodes by hand using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or a dressing wheel until the tip profile matches the operation drawing and surface finish meets the weld procedure; inspect under 10x and log measurements.
The tools that do the workTool center point TCP settingO*NET
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Enter operating instructions into computers
+Type the approved operating instructions for the cell into the control document, including sequence steps,…
Enter operating instructions into computers
+Type the approved operating instructions for the cell into the control document, including sequence steps, safety interlocks, filler metal specs, and torque values, then save and route to production engineering for sign-off before the shift change.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptions
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Track worker or group performance
+Compile daily output and quality checks for each welder, calculate welding hours, rework minutes and…
Track worker or group performance
+Compile daily output and quality checks for each welder, calculate welding hours, rework minutes and first‑pass yield, then update the team performance sheet and flag anyone falling below the weekly target for a coaching session.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Listen to others and ask questions
+Hold a five‑minute shop floor check with the shift, listen to their issues about fixtures and consumables,…
Listen to others and ask questions
+Hold a five‑minute shop floor check with the shift, listen to their issues about fixtures and consumables, ask targeted questions about frequency and impact, and record two actionable items to resolve before Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptions
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Identify problems and solve them
+Investigate the recurring porosity on batch 34 by reviewing joint prep photos, filler metal batch…
Identify problems and solve them
+Investigate the recurring porosity on batch 34 by reviewing joint prep photos, filler metal batch certificates, machine offsets and recent setup changes, propose two corrective actions and set an implementation date with the supervisor.
The tools that do the workSAPjob descriptions
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Apply technical communication skills
+Draft a clear work instruction for calculating filler metal selection, listing alloy, diameter, and approval…
Apply technical communication skills
+Draft a clear work instruction for calculating filler metal selection, listing alloy, diameter, and approval criteria, include a one‑line legal compliance note and circulate to QA and purchasing for review.
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Says who?
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses