What They Do
Set 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.
Employment Impact
33K
People employed
660.4K
Estimated global impact (extrapolated from US market data)
AI Impact Overview
This occupation is highly vulnerable to advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, driven by increasing adoption of automated welding and soldering machines that can perform repetitive, precision-oriented tasks.
Detailed Analysis
AI and robotics are steadily being integrated into manufacturing settings, with welding and soldering among the most common tasks targeted for automation. While some oversight and setup roles may remain important, the core repetitive functions are increasingly performed by machines, particularly in large-scale or high-volume production environments. Workers at junior and mid levels with limited specialization are most at risk, while highly experienced individuals who adapt to new technologies can transition into roles related to maintaining, programming, and supervising automated systems.
Opportunity
"With proactive upskilling and openness to evolving roles in automation, workers can position themselves as indispensable contributors and take advantage of new, higher-value opportunities in the manufacturing sector."
AI Risk Assessment
Risk level varies by experience level
Junior Level
Entry-level workers focusing on repetitive machine operation, basic parts feeding, or setup are at high risk of displacement as automation technologies can efficiently perform these tasks.
Mid-level
Mid-level operators who blend hands-on skills with troubleshooting or overseeing multiple machines will face moderate risk but can reduce vulnerability by acquiring skills in robotic maintenance, programming, or quality control.
Senior Level
Senior professionals capable of managing teams, optimizing automated production lines, or integrating new technologies will remain relevant, particularly if they maintain knowledge of emerging AI and robotics tools.
AI-Driven Job Forecasts
2 Years
Near-term Outlook
Job Outlook
Steady demand persists, but early signs of automation adoption will cause heightened competition for fewer entry-level positions. Some gradual transitions to operator-technician hybrid roles will appear.
Transition Strategy
Begin cross-training in robotic system basics; enroll in short courses on machine programming; seek roles that involve quality assurance or machine troubleshooting.
5 Years
Medium-term Impact
Job Outlook
Strong expansion of automated equipment adoption means reduced manual roles; demand rises for workers skilled in operating, maintaining, and upgrading automated production lines.
Transition Strategy
Pursue industry certifications in robotics maintenance; shift toward supervisory or training roles; leverage experience to work with automation vendors or integrators.
7+ Years
Long-term Vision
Job Outlook
The majority of routine welding/soldering machine operations will be automated. Remaining roles will emphasize robotics oversight, custom fabrication, and integration/testing of new tech.
Transition Strategy
Aim for advanced certifications; develop expertise in robotics integration, custom fabrication, or consulting; mentor new workers in automation environments.
Industry Trends
Collaborative Robots Cobots Deployment
Shifts operators into hybrid roles blending human oversight and robotic operation.
Custom and Small Batch Manufacturing
Maintains roles for hands-on experts in non-repetitive or creative fabrication.
Demand for Technical Sales and Support Roles
Elevates the value of field experience in customer-facing technical roles.
Digital Twin and Simulation Technologies
Creates opportunities for workers involved in process modeling and optimization.
Emphasis on Workplace Safety and Compliance
Raises the profile of safety leadership and regulatory oversight skills.
Expansion of Industry 40 and IIoT
Requires workers comfortable with data-driven processes and sensor integration.
Growth in Robotic Welding Adoption
Displaces manual tasks, increases demand for robot supervision and maintenance roles.
Growth of Remote Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
Increases relevance of roles in diagnostics, analytics, and virtual support.
Integration of Machine Vision for Quality Control
Reduces manual inspection roles but raises the need for system operation and troubleshooting.
Sustainability and Green Manufacturing
Opens up roles focused on energy efficiency and sustainable materials handling.
AI-Resistant Skills
Complex Problem Solving
Change Management
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Alternative Career Paths
Robotics Technician
Focus on building and maintaining robotic systems.
Relevance: Existing equipment knowledge can be leveraged for advanced automation roles.
Process Improvement Specialist
Identifies and implements strategies to enhance business processes and increase efficiency.
Relevance: Hands-on knowledge enables practical process enhancements.
Quality Assurance Inspector
Conducts site inspections to ensure compliance with cleaning protocols and standards.
Relevance: Manual skill set transfers well to product and process evaluation.
Emerging AI Tools Tracker
Full AI Impact Report
Access the full AI impact report to get detailed insights and recommendations.
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