Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
AI replacement rate
60%This role is currently tracked with 5 timeline items plus a profile-based replacement estimate.
This role sees high replacement potential for repetitive tasks due to existing robotic automation, but human skills remain critical for complex, custom, and adaptive welding applications.
Replacement trend
Aggregated from periodic refresh snapshots- 2026-04-2060%
Why this role is rated this way
Structural baseMany welding, cutting, and brazing tasks, especially those that are repetitive and occur in controlled manufacturing environments, have been and continue to be automated by industrial robots, leading to higher efficiency and consistent output.
Robots offer superior precision and repeatability, which are crucial for consistent quality. Additionally, automating these roles removes human workers from hazardous conditions involving intense heat, fumes, and light, improving workplace safety.
Human welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers retain a significant advantage in tasks requiring high adaptability, problem-solving for unique or custom geometries, and repair work on imperfect or varied materials where real-time judgment is essential.
The nuanced visual inspection, quality assurance, and certification processes for critical or intricate welds often require human expertise, experience, and the ability to interpret subtle variations that current AI and robotics may struggle to fully replicate.
Timeline
Relevant news and cases, newest first51-4121.00 - Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers by U.S.
Open originalA high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, is typically required for anyone to become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersBoilermakersElectric Motor, Power Tool, and Related RepairersElectrical and Electronic Equipment AssemblersEngine and Other Machine AssemblersStructural Metal Fabricators and FittersTool and Die MakersTool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersWoodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Open originalThe nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. These workers also will be needed in manufacturing plants, such as those that produce metal products and machinery. However, automation in ...
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Open originalAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 8,000 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers employed in Virginia, making a big impact on the state’s economy. Automation is changing things with welding in manufacturing. Robots, cobots (those friendly robot helpers), ...
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