Explore This Path

Welding Machine Operator

💰 Earn $45K-$58K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 -8.9% Job Growth

Perfect for those who love working with cutting-edge technology and precision tools.
Play a crucial role in manufacturing by ensuring metal components meet exact standards.
Operate advanced machines that shape the future of metal fabrication and innovation.

What Welding Machine Operators DoSet 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.

Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.

Welding Machine Operators Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings2,500 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$48,940

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$45K25th percentile

$58K75th percentile

National Median

$47,920

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$41K25th percentile

$57K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis

Go Deeper: Welding Machine Operators Explained

Welding Machine OperatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

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