Solderer Careers

Solderer Careers in NJ and PA

Individuals with a passion for working with their hands who wish to pursue rewarding careers should consider becoming solderers. Soldering is an assembly process used to join different types of metals together by melting solder. It is a technique used in many different industries.

Pennco Tech’s welding program offered at the Bristol, PA, campus helps prepare students in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who are interested in this profession by equipping them with the necessary skills and tools. Solderers enjoy a variety of benefits, including their choice of fulfilling career paths. Learn more about the responsibilities of a solderer, as well as other metal worker jobs.

What Does a Solderer Do?

Many of the crucial components in some of the most used machines are made through soldering, making the need for solderers essential. These skilled metal workers often use specialized equipment to fuse metals, alloys, and other materials, creating an intermetallic compound. Being a solderer requires you to perform a wide range of tasks, including:

• Reading and understanding blueprints or other instructions from a supervisor or team leader to determine the type of soldering necessary for a particular job
• Taking accurate electrical measurements and performing resistance checks to ensure components work properly
• Maintaining safety standards on the job by wearing appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses, masks, gloves, and earplugs
• Selecting the proper solder for the job based on its melting point and chemical composition
• Identifying the type of solder required for a specific application, such as hard or soft solders
• Cutting wires or other materials needed for the job to the proper length using pliers or wire cutters
• Keeping their workstation clean to help prevent unnecessary accidents

Potential Career Paths for a Solderer

Besides knowing the work you do provides a valuable service to multiple industries, being a solderer has several other advantages. One is the ability to make a comfortable living based on your lifestyle. According to the most recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for solderers was $47,010 in May 2021.

Another benefit of being a solderer is the different career paths one can take. After completing formal training from a vocational institute like Pennco Tech and gaining experience as a solderer, individuals are free to apply their knowledge to a variety of other roles, such as:

Sheet Metal Worker

Solderers who pride themselves on creating valuable components but wish to venture into a new role should consider becoming sheet metal workers. As a sheet metal worker, you will be asked to fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems. The median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $53,440 in May 2021.

Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter

Other potential career paths for solderers who want to transition into more specialized positions are the roles of plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter. With additional training, you can successfully install and repair piping fixtures for waste management systems. Taking this step may be worth it for some solderers, as the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $59,880 in May 2021 — a significant salary increase compared to solderers alone.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

An industrial machinery mechanic is another potential career opportunity for solderers. This role requires workers to repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. They may also be asked to install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites. Pursuing a career path as an industrial machinery mechanic may require additional training, but it could allow you to earn more as the annual wage for these professionals is $59,380.

Find Professional Training at Pennco Tech

Individuals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania interested in pursuing a career as a solderer can learn the necessary skills when they enroll in the welding program at Pennco Tech. Led by dedicated instructors with real-world experience. The knowledge students obtain from the program will allow them to forge a career path that aligns with their needs and explore the various occupations related to soldering.

In addition, the welding program at Pennco Tech includes OSHA safety training, demonstrating to students the potential dangers of the profession and how to successfully prevent them to promote a safer workplace. For more information about the 26-week program or how Pennco Tech can help you begin your quest toward a fulfilling career, contact us today.