SOC 51-4121
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ62/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ424,040
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$51K
$38K โ $76K
Projected Growth
๐+2.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค41/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers face a risk score of 62/100 โ 18 points above the national average of 44. With only 41/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $51K ($5K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 62/100, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated cnc programming and machine operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 424,040 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.
Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
๐ป Technology Skills
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Computer aided design CAD software
Analytical or scientific software
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mechanical
Mathematics
English Language
Design
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 69% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 59% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 73% |