Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers land at $53,750 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: welders, cutters, solderers, and brazer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is Alaska ($80,840); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn more nationally. The median is $53,750 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers has the better 10-year outlook at 2.2% projected growth, compared to -0.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers at $80,840/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earn $80,840 vs. $49,390 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.