Cutters: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Cutters use heat to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. Their work is closely related to that of welders. However, instead of joining metals, cutters use the heat from an electric arc, a stream of ionized gas called plasma, or burning gases to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. Cutters also dismantle large objects, such as ships, railroad cars, automobiles, buildings, and aircraft. Some operate and monitor cutting machines similar to those used by welding machine operators.

Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 5% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Courses leading to certification are offered at many welding schools. For example, the American Welding Society offers the Certified Welder designation.
Median pay: How much do Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make?
$39,390 Annual Salary
$18.94 per hour

Careers for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

  • Aluminum welders
  • Arc cutters
  • Arc welders
  • Brazers
  • Certified maintenance welders
  • Cutting torch operators
  • Pipe welders
  • Silver solderers
  • Solderers
  • Sub arc operators
  • Welder fitters
  • Welders
  • Wire welders

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