Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams of metal products.

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area. They may work on a scaffold, high off the ground, and they occasionally must lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions. Although most work full time, overtime is common.

A high school diploma or equivalent combined with technical and on-the-job training is typically required to become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer.

The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $38,150 in May 2015.

Employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite slower than average employment growth, skilled welders with up-to-date training should have good job opportunities.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers with similar occupations.

Learn more about welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.