Skip navigation

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers - 51-4121.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Assembly Line Brazer
  • Brazer
  • Fabrication Welder
  • Maintenance Welder
  • MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder)
  • Solderer
  • TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder)
  • Welder
  • Welder Fitter
  • Wirer

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-4000 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
51-4120 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
51-4121.00 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Align and clamp workpieces together, using rules, squares, or hand tools, or position items in fixtures, jigs, or vises.
  • Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and operations.
  • Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.
  • Chip or grind off excess weld, slag, or spatter, using hand scrapers or power chippers, portable grinders, or arc-cutting equipment.
  • Clean or degrease parts, using wire brushes, portable grinders, or chemical baths.
  • Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
  • Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.
  • Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
  • Develop templates and models for welding projects, using mathematical calculations based on blueprint information.
  • Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
  • Grind, cut, buff, or bend edges of workpieces to be joined to ensure snug fit, using power grinders and hand tools.
  • Guide and direct flames or electrodes on or across workpieces to straighten, bend, melt, or build up metal.
  • Hammer out bulges or bends in metal workpieces.
  • Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
  • Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
  • Melt and apply solder along adjoining edges of workpieces to solder joints, using soldering irons, gas torches, or electric-ultrasonic equipment.
  • Melt and apply solder to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products, using soldering equipment.
  • Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
  • Operate metal shaping, straightening, and bending machines, such as brakes and shears.
  • Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
  • Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, cranes, wire, and banding machines or hand tools.
  • Preheat workpieces prior to welding or bending, using torches or heating furnaces.
  • Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.
  • Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Repair products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts, using cutting torches, straightening presses, and hand tools.
  • Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
  • Set up and use ladders and scaffolding as necessary to complete work.
  • Use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.
  • Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
  • Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Clean workpieces or finished products.
  • Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
  • Design templates or patterns.
  • Determine metal or plastic production methods.
  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
  • Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
  • Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment.
  • Maintain safety.
  • Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
  • Operate firefighting equipment.
  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Repair parts or assemblies.
  • Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Select production equipment according to product specifications.
  • Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
  • Solder parts or workpieces.
  • Trim excess material from workpieces.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Construction Mechanic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Advanced Machinery Repairman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Advanced Steelworker (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Advanced Welder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aeronautical Welder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Fabrication Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Intermediate Level Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed-Wing) (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary-Wing) (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Apprentice (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Craftsman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Helper (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Maintenance (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Maintenance Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Maintenance Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Structural Repairer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Aircraft Welder (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Allied Trades Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Allied Trades Warrant Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Structural Mechanic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Structural Mechanic Intermediate Level (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Basic Aircraft Maintenance (Rotory-Wing) (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Construction Mechanic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • CWO - Diving Officer (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Damage Controlman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Damage Controlman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Diver (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Diving Specialist (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Enlisted Aircrew/Aerial Observer/Gunner (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic, AV-8/TAV-8 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic, F-35 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic, F/A-18 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic, KC-130 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic-Trainee (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Crew Chief, C-40A (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Engineer, KC-130 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Loadmaster, C-40A (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Loadmaster, KC-130 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Mechanic, AV-8/TAV-8 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Mechanic, F-35 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Mechanic, F/A-18 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Mechanic, KC-130 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, F-402 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, F-404 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, J-52 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, T-56 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic, AV-8/TAV-8 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic, F-35 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic, F/A-18 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic, KC-130/V-22 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft Safety Equipment Mechanic-Trainee (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Fixed-Wing Transport Aircraft Specialist, C-20 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • General Maintenance Welder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Heavy Repair Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Airframe Mechanic, CH-53 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Airframe Mechanic, UH/AH-1 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Crew Chief, CH-53 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Crew Chief, UH-1 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Mechanic, CH-53 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Mechanic, UH/AH-1 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic, T-400/T-700 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic, T-58 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic, T-64 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter/Tiltrotor Dynamic Components Mechanic (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic-Trainee (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Hull Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hull Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Repairman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Repairman Apprentice (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Repairman Journeyman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinist (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Engineer (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Material Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Metal Worker (Army - Enlisted)
  • Metal Worker (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Metalworking Apprentice (Army - Enlisted)
  • Navy Afloat Maintenance Training Strategy ( NAMTS) General Shipboard Welder/Brazer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Navy Diver (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Night Systems Instructor (NSI) Enlisted Aircrew (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Power Plant Components Welder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Ship Survivability Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Ship Survivability Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Steel Worker (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Steelworker (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Structural (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Structural Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Structural Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Structural Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Structural Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Emergency Welder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Tiltrotor Airframe Mechanic, MV-22 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Tiltrotor Crew Chief, MV-22 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Tiltrotor Mechanic, MV-22 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Mechanic, MQ-9 (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • VH-60N Presidential Helicopter Crew Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • VH-92 Presidential Helicopter Crew Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Weapons and Tactics Crew Chief Instructor (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Welder (Army - Enlisted)
  • Welding Supervisor (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Lead Burner
  • Welder, Arc
  • Welder-Fitter
  • Welding (Existing Title: Welder, Combination)

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Arc Cutter
  • Brazer, Assembler
  • Brazer, Resistance
  • Deicer Finisher
  • Lead Burner
  • Lead-Burner Apprentice
  • Liner Assembler
  • Solderer, Barrel Ribs
  • Solderer, Production Line
  • Solderer, Torch I
  • Solderer, Ultrasonic, Hand
  • Solderer-Assembler
  • Solderer-Dipper
  • Thermal Cutter, Hand I
  • Thermal Cutter, Hand II
  • Torch-Straightener-and Heater
  • Welder Apprentice, Arc
  • Welder Apprentice, Combination
  • Welder Apprentice, Gas
  • Welder, Arc
  • Welder, Combination
  • Welder, Experimental
  • Welder, Gas
  • Welder, Gun
  • Welder, Production Line
  • Welder, Tack
  • Welder-Assembler
  • Welder-Fitter
  • Welder-Fitter Apprentice