Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (7%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (3%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 27 (90%)

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