Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.90
• Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.82
• Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.79
• Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.79
• Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.78
• 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.77
• Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.77
• Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.77
• Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.77
• Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.77
• Align and clamp workpieces together, using rules, squares, or hand tools, or position items in fixtures, jigs, or vises.76
• Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.75

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Quality Control Analysis53

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Monitoring50

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Critical Thinking47

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Operations Monitoring44

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Time Management44

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Listening41

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Operation and Control41

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Speaking41

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Complex Problem Solving38

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Reading Comprehension38

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Troubleshooting38

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Production and Processing62

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Mechanical53

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics49

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• English Language47

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Design46

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Engineering and Technology40

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Education and Training38

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Public Safety and Security38

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Customer and Personal Service37

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Administration and Management36

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Building and Construction35

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Physics29

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness66

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Near Vision60

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Finger Dexterity56

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Control Precision53

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Manual Dexterity53

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Deductive Reasoning50

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Oral Comprehension50

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Selective Attention50

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Category Flexibility47

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Far Vision47

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Flexibility of Closure47

  The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information69

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials66

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events64

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Handling and Moving Objects62

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings60

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities58

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates51

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems49

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Controlling Machines and Processes48

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards46

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information43

  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work42

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability78

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail76

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness68

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance45

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Stress Tolerance41

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity32

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control29

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Self-Confidence27

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Intellectual Curiosity16

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Adaptability15

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Cooperation12

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional44

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative18

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising9

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Artistic7

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social1

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day86%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually74%
  • More than half the time17%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day72%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day67%
  • Once a week or more but not every day15%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important56%
  • Very important32%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day62%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%
  • Never16%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day58%
  • Once a week or more but not every day15%
  • Never15%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important38%
  • Very important30%
  • Important12%
  • Fairly important19%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others44%
  • Contact with others most of the time20%
  • Contact with others about half the time11%
  • Occasional contact with others20%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours35%
  • 40 hours65%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day59%
  • Never31%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually40%
  • More than half the time12%
  • About half the time15%
  • Less than half the time25%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Electronic mail software

  IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook

• Analytical or scientific software

  Fred's Tip Cartridge Picker, Scientific Software Group Filter Drain FD, Value Analysis

• Data base user interface and query software

  Oracle Database, Recordkeeping software

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Computer aided design CAD software

  EZ Pipe

• Calendar and scheduling software

  OmniFleet Equipment Maintenance Management

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Welding Society
• ASM International
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• IPC
• Precision Machined Products Association
• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Boilermakers
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Tool and Die Makers
• Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Assemblers
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machinists
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Cutting Workers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Maintain safety.
• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Select production equipment according to product specifications.
• Clean workpieces or finished products.
• Determine metal or plastic production methods.
• Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
• Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
• Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production.
• Solder parts or workpieces.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

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