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Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 1,288 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 10% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Develop templates and models for welding projects, using mathematical calculations based on blueprint information.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and operations.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay112 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$56,333 vs your $60,485 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Near Vision
    • Control Precision
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Mechanical
    • Visualization

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Somewhat similar work
    +13% pay51 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 13% more—$68,591 vs your $60,485 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Near Vision
    • Production and Processing
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Control Precision

    New skills to build

    • Repairing
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Mechanical
    • Troubleshooting
    • Installation