[Core] [65% incumbents] Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
  DWAs: Maintain safety.

[Core] [65% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [65% incumbents] Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter.
  DWAs: Clean workpieces or finished products.

[Supplemental] [65% incumbents] Preheat workpieces prior to welding or bending, using torches or heating furnaces.
  DWAs: Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
  DWAs: Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  DWAs: Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
  DWAs: Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
  DWAs: Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Position and secure workpieces, using hoists, cranes, wire, and banding machines or hand tools.
  DWAs: Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Chip or grind off excess weld, slag, or spatter, using hand scrapers or power chippers, portable grinders, or arc-cutting equipment.
  DWAs: Trim excess material from workpieces. | Operate grinding equipment.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Repair products by dismantling, straightening, reshaping, and reassembling parts, using cutting torches, straightening presses, and hand tools.
  DWAs: Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. | Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. | Repair parts or assemblies.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Clean or degrease parts, using wire brushes, portable grinders, or chemical baths.
  DWAs: Clean production equipment. | Operate grinding equipment.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Hammer out bulges or bends in metal workpieces.
  DWAs: Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.

[Supplemental] [64% incumbents] Guide and direct flames or electrodes on or across workpieces to straighten, bend, melt, or build up metal.
  DWAs: Operate welding equipment.

[Supplemental] [64% incumbents] Use fire suppression methods in industrial emergencies.
  DWAs: Operate firefighting equipment.

[Supplemental] [64% incumbents] Set up and use ladders and scaffolding as necessary to complete work.
  DWAs: Assemble temporary equipment or structures.

[Supplemental] [64% incumbents] Operate metal shaping, straightening, and bending machines, such as brakes and shears.
  DWAs: Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Detect faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notify supervisors.
  DWAs: Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions. | Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
  DWAs: Select production equipment according to product specifications. | Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
  DWAs: Determine metal or plastic production methods. | Select production equipment according to product specifications.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.
  DWAs: Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Develop templates and models for welding projects, using mathematical calculations based on blueprint information.
  DWAs: Design templates or patterns.

[Supplemental] [63% incumbents] Check grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometers, calipers, and precision measuring instruments.
  DWAs: Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

[Supplemental] [63% incumbents] Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
  DWAs: Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment. | Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.
  DWAs: Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Align and clamp workpieces together, using rules, squares, or hand tools, or position items in fixtures, jigs, or vises.
  DWAs: Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Melt and apply solder along adjoining edges of workpieces to solder joints, using soldering irons, gas torches, or electric-ultrasonic equipment.
  DWAs: Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production. | Solder parts or workpieces.

[Supplemental] [61% incumbents] Melt and apply solder to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products, using soldering equipment.
  DWAs: Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production. | Solder parts or workpieces.

[Core] [60% incumbents] Grind, cut, buff, or bend edges of workpieces to be joined to ensure snug fit, using power grinders and hand tools.
  DWAs: Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. | Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. | Operate grinding equipment.

[None] Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and operations.
  DWAs: Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

--- SKILLS ---
  Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Critical Thinking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Listening (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:2.62 lvl:2.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:2.25 lvl:1.75) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Mathematics (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Writing (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Science (imp:1.62 lvl:1.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Production and Processing (imp:3.49 lvl:3.36) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Mechanical (imp:3.10 lvl:3.18) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Mathematics (imp:2.94 lvl:2.21) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  English Language (imp:2.87 lvl:2.25) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Design (imp:2.82 lvl:2.59) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.58 lvl:2.71) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Education and Training (imp:2.53 lvl:2.58) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.51 lvl:1.90) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:2.49 lvl:2.10) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Administration and Management (imp:2.44 lvl:2.16) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Building and Construction (imp:2.39 lvl:2.05) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Physics (imp:2.14 lvl:1.81) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Administrative (imp:2.00 lvl:1.41) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.99 lvl:1.13) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Computers and Electronics (imp:1.97 lvl:1.67) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Chemistry (imp:1.94 lvl:1.56) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Psychology (imp:1.83 lvl:1.40) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Transportation (imp:1.72 lvl:0.68) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Law and Government (imp:1.71 lvl:0.90) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Communications and Media (imp:1.52 lvl:0.61) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.51 lvl:0.84) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.44 lvl:0.36) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Foreign Language (imp:1.37 lvl:0.40) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.32 lvl:0.50) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.31 lvl:0.56) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Telecommunications (imp:1.19) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Biology (imp:1.16) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.16) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Food Production (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.13) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Geography (imp:1.09) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Fine Arts (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  History and Archeology (imp:1.07) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi

--- ABILITIES ---
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.62 lvl:3.50) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Near Vision (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Information Ordering (imp:2.88 lvl:2.50) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Visualization (imp:2.88 lvl:3.38) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Far Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Oral Expression (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Depth Perception (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Rate Control (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Static Strength (imp:2.62 lvl:2.88) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Speech Recognition (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Response Orientation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Speech Clarity (imp:2.50 lvl:2.00) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Written Comprehension (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Time Sharing (imp:2.38 lvl:2.50) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Stamina (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.25 lvl:2.38) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Originality (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Explosive Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:1.50) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Spatial Orientation (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Memorization (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Written Expression (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Night Vision (imp:1.75 lvl:1.25) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.62 lvl:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.25 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:3.76 lvl:2.62) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.65 lvl:2.97) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.57 lvl:3.01) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.49 lvl:4.55) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.40 lvl:3.40) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.31 lvl:3.56) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.03 lvl:2.45) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:2.96 lvl:2.94) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.90 lvl:3.06) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:2.82 lvl:2.34) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.70 lvl:2.12) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:2.67 lvl:2.56) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.65 lvl:2.42) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:2.63 lvl:2.64) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.62 lvl:1.93) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:2.60 lvl:2.42) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.56 lvl:2.19) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:2.50 lvl:2.27) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Processing Information (imp:2.49 lvl:2.02) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.49 lvl:1.88) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.43 lvl:2.10) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.40 lvl:2.04) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.36 lvl:1.87) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.36 lvl:1.92) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.36 lvl:1.90) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:2.29 lvl:1.38) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.22 lvl:1.69) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.20 lvl:1.95) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Working with Computers (imp:2.14 lvl:1.58) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:2.07 lvl:1.47) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.02 lvl:1.51) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:1.92 lvl:1.32) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:1.92 lvl:1.22) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:1.80 lvl:1.13) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:1.78 lvl:0.90) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:1.78 lvl:1.40) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.76 lvl:1.17) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.74 lvl:1.01) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.55 lvl:0.58) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:1.51 lvl:0.54) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:1.35 lvl:0.50) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Dependability (imp:2.33) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Cautiousness (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.34) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.22) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.97) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Integrity (imp:0.96) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.87) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.80) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:0.49) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Adaptability (imp:0.44) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Cooperation (imp:0.35) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Innovation (imp:0.33) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Initiative (imp:0.33) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Sincerity (imp:0.09) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Optimism (imp:-0.01) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Empathy (imp:-0.14) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Humility (imp:-0.20) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:-0.27) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.36) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.63) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Time Management (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Operation and Control (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Coordination (imp:2.38 lvl:1.88) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.25 lvl:1.75) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Service Orientation (imp:2.12 lvl:1.50) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:1.50) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Instructing (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Persuasion (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Repairing (imp:1.88) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:1.12) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.62 lvl:1.25) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Technology Design (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Installation (imp:1.50 lvl:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 416,210
  annual_median    : $53,750
  annual_pct10     : $39,240
  annual_pct25     : $46,790
  annual_pct75     : $63,010
  annual_pct90     : $77,530
  annual_mean      : $56,760
  hourly_median    : $25.84

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Alaska ($80,840)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($30,220)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.675x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (54 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:  274,710  median: $  51,210
  Construction                             emp:   55,860  median: $  61,800
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:   21,450  median: $  50,490
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   18,420  median: $  48,810
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:   17,550  median: $  56,100
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    7,540  median: $  71,520
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:    5,630  median: $  65,090
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,300  median: $  71,720
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    3,810  median: $  60,030
  Utilities                                emp:    1,910  median: $ 100,190

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (17 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:  274,710  median: $  51,210
  Construction                             emp:   55,860  median: $  61,800
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:   21,450  median: $  50,490
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   18,420  median: $  48,810
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:   17,550  median: $  56,100
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    7,540  median: $  71,520
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:    5,630  median: $  65,090
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    4,300  median: $  71,720
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    3,810  median: $  60,030
  Utilities                                emp:    1,910  median: $ 100,190

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:11:13.071771Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Pipelayer (similarity: 0.1633)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipelayer
  QID: Q25039522
  Extract: A pipelayer is a skilled tradesman who lays pipe, such as for storm sewers, sanitary sewers, drains, and water mains. Pipelayers may grade trenches and culverts, position pipe, or seal joints. The Standard Occupational Classification System code for pipelayers is 47-2151.

  Title: List of EN standards (similarity: 0.2667)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_EN_standards
  QID: Q6569600
  Extract: 
European Standards are technical standards drafted and maintained by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI.

  Title: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (similarity: 0.3421)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASME_Boiler_and_Pressure_Vessel_Code
  QID: Q4654284
  Extract: The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is a set of standards published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides rules for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of boilers and pressure vessels. 

  Title: European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (similarity: 0.2391)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Federation_for_Welding%2C_Joining_and_Cutting
  QID: Q1376546
  Extract: The European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) is an organization dedicated to education, training, qualification and certification in the field of welding and related technologies.

  Title: 2022 in science (similarity: 0.1818)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_in_science
  QID: Q80719630
  Extract: The following scientific events occurred in 2022.

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data including detailed task descriptions, abilities, and work activities, plus robust BLS wage and employment statistics.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T01:34:31.972365+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,819
tokens_output        : 4,213
cost_usd             : $0.044892
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, with closest semantic neighbor being Pipelayer at 0.163 similarity. The occupation represents a distinct skilled trade category without a specific Wikipedia article.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-welding, flame-cutting, and brazing equipment to join metal components or repair fabricated metal products. They operate in flat, vertical, or overhead positions while ensuring safety protocols and quality standards are met. These skilled tradespeople are essential to manufacturing, construction, and repair operations across numerous industries.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A welder begins by examining workpieces for defects and preparing material surfaces by removing rust, moisture, and grease to ensure clean welds. They set up hand and power tools, connect regulator valves to adjust gas flow and pressure, and position workpieces using hoists or hand tools. Throughout the day, they perform welding operations in various positions, monitor their work for quality, and use measuring tools to verify conformance with specifications. After completing welds, they chip or grind off excess material and mark pieces with proper identification numbers.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role possess exceptional arm-hand steadiness and near vision capabilities, as precision work is critical for quality welds. They demonstrate strong attention to detail and cautiousness, understanding that safety protocols and quality standards cannot be compromised. Problem sensitivity and deductive reasoning abilities help them identify potential issues and troubleshoot welding challenges. Those with mechanical aptitude and production knowledge thrive when working with their hands in physically demanding environments that require dependability and consistent performance.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most welders enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent (53.5%) or less than high school education (20.8%), though post-secondary certificates are increasingly valuable (11.6%). Entry-level positions typically provide on-the-job training, while formal welding programs at technical schools or community colleges can accelerate skill development. Apprenticeships and industry certifications enhance employment prospects and earning potential.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Experienced welders can advance to supervisory roles, become welding inspectors, or specialize in high-demand areas like underwater welding or aerospace applications. Some transition to related occupations such as structural metal fabricators, boilermakers, or tool and die makers, leveraging their metalworking expertise. Entrepreneurial welders may establish independent welding shops or consulting practices serving specialized markets.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, welders earn a median annual wage of $53,750 with employment of 416,210 nationally. Wages range from $39,240 at the 10th percentile to $77,530 at the 90th percentile, with significant geographic variation from Alaska's $80,840 to Puerto Rico's $30,220. Manufacturing employs the largest share (274,710), followed by construction (55,860) and wholesale trade (21,450). The occupation maintains steady demand driven by infrastructure needs, manufacturing growth, and the ongoing requirement for metal fabrication and repair across industries.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
While robotic welding systems handle repetitive production tasks, skilled welders remain essential for complex assemblies, custom fabrication, and field repairs where automation cannot easily reach. The high importance of monitoring processes, inspecting materials, and making real-time adjustments to welding parameters suggests continued human involvement in quality-critical applications.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [task_similarity] Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve welding operations and share core knowledge of production processes and mechanical systems.
    data: O*NET Primary-Short relationship
    data: Shared welding equipment operation
    data: Production and Processing knowledge overlap
  [skill_overlap] Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (51-2041) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both require arm-hand steadiness, mechanical knowledge, and quality control analysis for metal fabrication work.
    data: O*NET Primary-Short relationship
    data: Mechanical knowledge importance 3.1
    data: Quality Control Analysis skill 3.1
  [knowledge_overlap] Boilermakers (47-2011) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both occupations require extensive welding skills and mechanical knowledge for metal construction and repair.
    data: O*NET Primary-Short relationship
    data: Mechanical knowledge level 3.2
    data: Production and Processing knowledge 3.5
  [riasec_cluster] Tool and Die Makers (51-4111) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both are Realistic-dominant occupations requiring precise manual work and mechanical problem-solving abilities.
    data: RIASEC R:7.00 dominance
    data: Manual Dexterity importance 3.1
    data: Problem Sensitivity ability 3.2
  [transferable_skill] Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers (49-2092) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Operations monitoring and judgment skills transfer between welding quality control and equipment repair diagnostics.
    data: O*NET Primary-Long relationship
    data: Operations Monitoring skill 2.8
    data: Quality Control Analysis 3.1

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['welder', 'welding', 'cutter', 'cutting', 'solderer', 'soldering', 'brazer', 'brazing']
  exclude_keywords : ['machine operator', 'automated', 'robotic', 'supervisor', 'inspector']
  title_patterns   : ['*welder*', '*cutter*', '*solderer*', '*brazer*', 'welding*']
  common_variations: ['arc welder', 'mig welder', 'tig welder', 'pipe welder', 'structural welder', 'aluminum welder', 'acetylene cutter', 'torch operator']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'welding', 'workpieces', 'operate', 'hand', 'production', 'metal', 'materials', 'principles', 'tools', 'products', 'standards', 'specifications', 'control', 'includes', 'objects', 'material', 'techniques']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
equipment                  54  0.01887  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:43%  dwas:43%  onet_tasks:13%
tendency                   42  0.01468  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     39  0.01363  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  dwas:3%
welding                    25  0.00874  inference            inference:36%  onet_tasks:32%  dwas:24%
workpieces                 24  0.00839  dwas                 dwas:54%  onet_tasks:38%  inference:8%
operate                    18  0.00629  dwas                 dwas:61%  onet_tasks:17%  onet_dimensions:17%
hand                       18  0.00629  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:39%  onet_tasks:33%  inference:22%
production                 18  0.00629  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:44%  dwas:44%  inference:11%
metal                      17  0.00594  dwas                 dwas:41%  onet_tasks:35%  inference:24%
materials                  16  0.00559  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  dwas:25%  onet_tasks:6%
principles                 16  0.00559  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
tools                      14  0.00489  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:36%  onet_dimensions:36%  inference:21%
products                   13  0.00454  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:38%  dwas:38%  onet_tasks:15%
standards                  13  0.00454  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  wikipedia:23%  inference:15%
specifications             12  0.00419  dwas                 dwas:50%  onet_tasks:25%  onet_dimensions:17%
control                    12  0.00419  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
includes                   12  0.00419  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00419  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
material                   11  0.00384  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:36%  onet_dimensions:27%  dwas:18%
techniques                 11  0.00384  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  onet_tasks:9%
quality                    11  0.00384  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:55%  inference:45%
ideas                      11  0.00384  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
identifying                10  0.00349  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  onet_tasks:10%  dwas:10%
rules                      10  0.00349  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  onet_tasks:10%  wikipedia:10%
needs                      10  0.00349  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  dwas:10%  inference:10%
body                       10  0.00349  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
machines                    9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  onet_tasks:22%
repair                      9  0.00315  dwas                 dwas:33%  inference:33%  onet_dimensions:22%
operations                  9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  inference:22%  onet_tasks:11%
monitoring                  9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
problems                    9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
resources                   9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
events                      9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  wikipedia:11%
quickly                     9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                  9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00315  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
performance                 8  0.00280  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
problem                     8  0.00280  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
procedures                  8  0.00280  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
design                      8  0.00280  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  dwas:12%  wikipedia:12%