How much does a welding operator make?

In the United States, experience, machine skills, and certificates or licenses valued by employers can affect pay. It also differs by industry and location, while overtime or other extra hours can change total earnings.

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.

What's a typical day like?

They read a work order, set up a welding or brazing machine, and load metal pieces into a fixture. Then they watch the machine, check finished joints with measuring tools, adjust settings, and record the results.

In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then train in a technical program or a registered apprenticeship. Employers also teach new workers on the job; some states or employers require licenses or certificates.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

In 1967, General Motors installed two of its earliest spot-welding robots at a plant in Norwood, Ohio.