Soldering jobs typically require little or no formal education and rely heavily on on-the-job training. Dedicated solderers work an average of 40 hours per week for various manufacturers, stained glass producers, jewelry makers, and electronics makers, but overtime is common; according to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, about 20% of solderers in the US work 50 hours per week. Job prospects are expected to remain stable until 2018, but employers are having difficulty finding skilled workers, and workers who are willing to relocate will have more opportunities.
Solderers work as general assemblers in manufacturing industries, where their responsibilities include constructing various products according to blueprints and outlines. Assemblers are frequently required to use hand tools to complete each product from start to finish, so soldering is only one of many required skills. Solderers are part of an assembly line of specialized workers for some larger or more complicated projects, and are only responsible for the soldering required on each piece. Additional welding and brazing training can greatly increase job opportunities in this field.
Except in large-scale production facilities, soldering jobs in stained glass are uncommon. Working in smaller studios, where the solderer may also be responsible for cutting and fitting glass pieces, requires additional glazing skills. Because stained glass solder contains lead, workers should be familiar with basic safety procedures and equipment, as well as be tested for lead toxicity on a regular basis.
In large-scale production, solderers are usually employed in an assembly line facility, where other workers are responsible for the casting, tooling, and shaping of the piece, while the solderer is responsible for the joining. Additional stone cutting and setting skills would improve job prospects and open up new opportunities, such as jewelry repair. Solderers for jewelry must be familiar with fine metals and the fine detail work that such small pieces necessitate.
The electronics industry is far the most common source of soldering jobs. A circuit board is found in almost every product that is plugged in or runs on batteries, and the majority of them are handcrafted. Circuit board manufacturing necessitates a wide range of solders, and the work must be precise. Electronic soldering jobs are similar to assembly jobs in that workers must complete connections and choose components in addition to soldering. Workers must be able to read technical drawings and have a basic understanding of how electronics work.