Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
π‘ Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers have a composite risk score of 62/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 94%, GenAI exposure: 41/100). With 424,040 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
With 424,040 workers and a median wage of $51K,welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 41%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
62/100
Employment
424,040
Median Wage
$51K
GenAI Exposure
41%
β οΈ 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
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
69% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
59% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
73% skills overlap Β· $68K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers?
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
What is the AI risk score for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers have a composite AI automation risk score of 62 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".
How many welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are there in the US?
There are approximately 424,040 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers employed in the United States.
What do welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn?
The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $51K.
What skills should welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, coordinating workflow across diverse production teams, handling non-standard materials and configurations. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.