FAQ
Welding Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a welding machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a welding machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about welding machine operators
Do I need to be a welder?
Basic welding knowledge helps.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Can I program robots?
Many operators advance to programming.
How much does a welding machine operator make?
The median annual wage for welding machine operators was $47,920 ($23.04 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,860 and the highest 10% earned more than $66,540.
How long does it take to become a welding machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a welding machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is welding machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -8.9% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 2,500 openings each year. Upsides include robotics experience; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a welding machine operator need?
Key technical skills include robot welding operation, weld inspection, fixture loading, and wire and tip changes. Employers also value attention to detail, reliability, and focus.
What certifications are available for welding machine operators?
Common credentials include AWS Certified Robotic Arc Welding, Robot operator training, AWS welding certification, and OSHA 10. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Welding Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Welder, or explore Welding Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4122 (Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.