Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are skilled workers who use various techniques to join and detach metal parts to create structures, machinery, and other products. They are essential to several industries, including construction, automotive, aircraft, and manufacturing.

Examples of the Job

• Welders use heat and pressure to fuse metal pieces together.
• Cutters use cutting machines or torches to slice metals into specific shapes or sizes.
• Solderers melt and join two or more metal surfaces using a lower temperature filler metal.
• Brazers use heat and a filler metal to connect metal parts, pipes, and tubes.

Training and Education

Becoming a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer requires specific education or training, such as:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Technical school or community college courses in welding, metallurgy, or mechanical drawing
• Apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs that can last several years
• Certifications, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) welding certification, which can improve job prospects and salaries

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers can also pursue further education or training to specialize in specific welding techniques, materials, or applications.

Progression and Advancement

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers can progress through different levels of experience, skills, and responsibilities, such as:

• Entry-level: performing basic welding, cutting, soldering, or brazing tasks under supervision
• Journey-level: working independently or leading projects, interpreting blueprints and schematics, and maintaining equipment
• Advanced-level: designing and testing welding processes and products, inspecting materials and structures for defects or compliance, and managing teams or projects

To advance in their careers, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers can seek additional training, certifications, or degrees in engineering, project management, or quality control. They can also benefit from demonstrated technical and leadership skills, good communication skills, and flexibility to work in different settings or industries.

Getting Started

If you’re interested in becoming a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer, here are some steps you can take:

• Research the job duties, requirements, and prospects
• Find a training program or apprenticeship near you
• Apply for financial aid, scholarships, or grants if available
• Gain practical experience and build a portfolio of your work
• Network with professionals in the field and attend industry events
• Be willing to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies

With the right training, skills, and attitude, you can enter a dynamic and rewarding profession as a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer.

According to the salary data provided, Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are paid an average of $38,584 at entry-level and up to $72,363 at the most experienced level in the United States. The job level also affects the salary, with Level 07 workers earning the highest pay and Not Able to Be Leveled workers ranking second highest. The union also has an effect on the job, with unionized workers earning more on average compared to non-unionized workers at all levels, with a salary difference of over $10,000.

The top-paying geography for this occupation is the state of Wyoming, where unionized workers earn $85,800 on average. On the other hand, the lowest-paying geography is the Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area, where non-unionized workers earn an average of $37,648.

Here is a data table summarizing the salary data for Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers:

Job Function | Job Level | Unionization | Average Salary (National) | Average Salary (High Paying Geography) | Average Salary (Low Paying Geography)
— | — | — | — | — | —
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | All workers | Union | $58,905.60 | $85,800.00 (Wyoming) | N/A
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | All workers | Non-union | $48,630.40 | N/A | $37,648.00 (Northwest Mississippi nonmetropolitan area)
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | All workers | Not able to be leveled | $54,537.60 | N/A | N/A
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | Entry | All | $40,809.60 | N/A | N/A
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | Intermediate | All | $49,379.20 | N/A | N/A
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | Experienced | All | $61,360.00 | N/A | N/A

In conclusion, Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers can earn high salaries as they gain experience, reach higher job levels, and unionize. However, the salary for this occupation varies across geographies.