51-4121.06 - Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

Updated 2012

Details Report for:
51-4121.06 - Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

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

Sample of reported job titles: Aluminum Welder, Fabrication Welder, Fabricator, Fitter/Welder, Maintenance Welder, Mig Welder, Sub Arc Operator, Welder, Welder-Fitter, Welder/Fabricator

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
90	Core	Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
89	Core	Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
87	Core	Lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly, using straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers.
85	Core	Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
84	Core	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.
83	Core	Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.
83	Core	Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend, grind or bolt component parts to obtain required configurations and positions for welding.
83	Core	Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
82	Core	Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
82	Core	Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
81	Core	Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
81	Core	Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
81	Core	Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments, using processes such as gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, shielded metal arc, resistance welding, and submerged arc welding.
81	Core	Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations.
81	Core	Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
79	Core	Chip or grind off excess weld, slag, or spatter, using hand scrapers or power chippers, portable grinders, or arc-cutting equipment.
79	Core	Remove rough spots from workpieces, using portable grinders, hand files, or scrapers.
79	Core	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	Core	Preheat workpieces prior to welding or bending, using torches or heating furnaces.
76	Core	Develop templates and models for welding projects, using mathematical calculations based on blueprint information.
76	Core	Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, cranes, wire, and banding machines or hand tools.
76	Core	Guide and direct flames or electrodes on or across workpieces to straighten, bend, melt, or build up metal.
76	Core	Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.
74	Core	Clean or degrease parts, using wire brushes, portable grinders, or chemical baths.
72	Core	Cut, contour, and bevel metal plates and structural shapes to dimensions as specified by blueprints, layouts, work orders, and templates, using powered saws, hand shears, or chipping knives.
72	Core	Repair products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts, using cutting torches, straightening presses, and hand tools.
72	Core	Fill holes, and increase the size of metal parts.
71	Core	Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.
70	Core	Operate metal shaping, straightening, and bending machines, such as brakes and shears.
67	Core	Set up and use ladders and scaffolding as necessary to complete work.
66	Core	Hammer out bulges or bends in metal workpieces.
66	Core	Dismantle metal assemblies or cut scrap metal, using thermal-cutting equipment such as flame-cutting torches or plasma-arc equipment.
78	Supplemental	Signal crane operators to move large workpieces.
73	Supplemental	Use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.
71	Supplemental	Estimate materials needed for production and manufacturing and maintain required stocks of materials.
69	Supplemental	Join parts such as beams and steel reinforcing rods in buildings, bridges, and highways, bolting and riveting as necessary.
67	Supplemental	Gouge metals, using the air-arc gouging process.
58	Supplemental	Mix and apply protective coatings to products.
52	Supplemental	Operate brazing and soldering equipment.
47	Supplemental	Melt lead bars, wire, or scrap to add lead to joints or to extrude melted scrap into reusable form.

Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Tools used in this occupation:

Bandsaw wheel — Bandsaws

Blow torches — Motorized cutting torches; Pattern cutting torches; Welding torches

Electrode holders — Underwater electrode holders; Welding electrode holders

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus — Brazing equipment; Heliarc welding equipment; Oxyacetylene welding equipment; Portable gas operated arc welders

Laser welding machinery — Laser welders

Manlift or personnel lift — Hydraulic truck lifts; Swing stages

Metal inert gas MIG welding machinery — Metal inert gas MIG welders

Tangent benders — Metal benders

Taps or dies — Dies; Taps

Track cranes — Overhead cranes

Ultrasound welding machinery — Ultrasonic welding equipment

Voltage or current meters — Arc voltage measurement instruments; Welding current measurement instruments

Welding masks — Hand shields; Welding shields

Welding tools — Rod ovens; Storage ovens and hot boxes; Welding guns

Welding wire — Electrode wires

Workshop presses — Brakes; Portable magnetic drill presses; Punch presses

Technology used in this occupation:

Analytical or scientific software — Scientific Software Group Filter Drain FD

Calendar and scheduling software — OmniFleet Equipment Maintenance Management

Computer aided design CAD software — EZ Pipe software

Data base user interface and query software — Recordkeeping software

See all 92 T2 categories

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
66		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
62		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
60		Administration and Management — 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.
57		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
52		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
51		Customer and Personal Service — 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.
51		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
50		Engineering and Technology — 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.
46		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
38		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
32		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
30		Physics — 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.
29		Public Safety and Security — 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.
26		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
23		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
21		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
21		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
20		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
18		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
17		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
12		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
12		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
9		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
9		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
8		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
5		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
5		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
3		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
3		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
3		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
2		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
0		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
0		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
53		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
53		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
50		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
47		Active Listening — 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.
47		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
47		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
47		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
44		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
44		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
44		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
44		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
41		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
38		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
38		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
38		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
38		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
38		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
35		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
35		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
35		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
35		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
31		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
31		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
31		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
31		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
28		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
25		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
25		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
22		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
16		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
13		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
6		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
6		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
72		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
66		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
63		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
63		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
63		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
63		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
60		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
53		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
50		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
47		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
47		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
47		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
47		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
47		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
47		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
47		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
47		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
44		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
44		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
44		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
44		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
44		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
41		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
38		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
38		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
38		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
38		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
38		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
38		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
38		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
38		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
38		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
35		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
35		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
35		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
35		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
31		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
31		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
25		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
25		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
22		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
22		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
13		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
13		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
89		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). braze metal parts or components together burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects fabricate beams operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery perform detailed welding techniques solder metal parts or components together use acetylene welding/cutting torch use arc welding equipment use braze-welding equipment use fire suppression equipment use gas welding equipment use hand or power tools use non-destructive test equipment use precision measuring tools or equipment use soldering equipment use thermal-cutting equipment weld together metal parts, components, or structures
82		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. apply protective coating to products clean or degrease weld, or parts to be welded or soldered fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand file, sand, grind, or polish metal or plastic objects mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications position, clamp or assemble workpiece prior to welding preheat metal before welding, brazing, or soldering sharpen metal objects
76		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. identify base metals for welding identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities recognize characteristics of alloys recognize characteristics of metals recognize welding symbols understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
74		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
70		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. signal directions or warnings to coworkers
70		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. read blueprints read production layouts read specifications read technical drawings read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
70		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. apply cleaning solvents climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles erect scaffold move or fit heavy objects perform welding techniques over lengthy time span weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead position
69		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
68		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
65		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
63		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. maintain safe work environment monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems monitor the quantity of assembly output
61		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
61		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. plan or organize work
60		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. compute production, construction, or installation specifications measure, weigh, or count products or materials
57		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
57		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
57		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles. adjust welding equipment maintain welding machines or equipment setup welding equipment
57		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. use combination welding procedures use knowledge of welding filler rod types use spot or tack welding techniques
56		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
56		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
55		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
55		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. determine equipment requirements estimate materials or labor requirements
55		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. monitor worker performance
55		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
54		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
54		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
51		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used. construct patterns or templates for welding projects lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
50		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
49		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. attach or mark identification onto products or containers
47		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications analyze test data
47		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
46		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
46		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. explain work orders, specifications, or work techniques to workers
44		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
44		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
42		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
40		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
40		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
39		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. maintain records, reports, or files
30		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
27		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Context		Work Context
100		Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
84		Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
82		Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
81		Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
80		Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
80		Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
74		Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
72		Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
71		Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
71		Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
70		Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
69		Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
68		Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
68		Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
67		Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
67		Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
64		Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
62		Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
61		Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
60		Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
58		Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
57		Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
56		Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
56		Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
56		Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
54		Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
52		Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
49		Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
49		Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
49		Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
46		Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
40		Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?
39		Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
37		Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
35		Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
34		Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
33		Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
33		Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
32		Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
31		Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
30		Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
29		In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
27		In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
27		Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
25		Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
24		Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?
19		Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
19		Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
16		Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
11		Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
11		Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?
10		Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
10		Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?
10		Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
9		Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
4		Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
1		Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)

There are 5 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Lead Burner; Welder, Arc; Welder, Combination; Welding; Welder-Fitter

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information website.

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship website.

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
Not available	Some college, no degree
Not available	High school diploma or equivalent
Not available	Less than high school diploma

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
100		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
39		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
22		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
11		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
0		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
0		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
93		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
82		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
75		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
75		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
75		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
75		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
74		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
73		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
72		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
71		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
70		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
66		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
64		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
62		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
59		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
47		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
61		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
39		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
33		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
33		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
28		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
28		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

51-2031.00	Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
51-4022.00	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Green
51-4034.00	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4072.00	Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4122.00	Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-4193.00	Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-7041.00	Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
51-7042.00	Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
51-9195.07	Molding and Casting Workers

Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Employment data collected from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Industry data collected from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.

Median wages (2012)	$17.45 hourly, $36,300 annual
Employment (2010)	337,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020)	Average (10% to 19%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020)	140,700
Top industries (2010)	Manufacturing (61% employed in this sector) Construction (11%) (see all industries)

State & National

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data and 2010-2020 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

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State & National Job Banks

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.

Details Report for: 51-4121.06 - Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters