SOC 51-4122
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Risk Score
⚠️62/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥36,290
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$47K
$36K – $66K
Projected Growth
📈-9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖44/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders face a risk score of 62/100 — 18 points above the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $47K ($750 above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 62/100, Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 36,290 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 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% |