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Soldering Technician

A soldering technician, or solderer, melts and applies solder to circuit boards or other metal components to fuse pieces together. They use soldering irons, gas torches and electric ultrasonic equipment to melt and place the solder. Additionally, they grind, cut and bend metal parts according to customer specifications.

Working as part of a production line using small handheld tools, soldering technicians assemble circuit boards for electronic equipment. Following diagrams carefully and using a steady hand, soldering technicians specialize in the application of heat to low melting point metals to establish joins and connections.

Soldering Technician

What does a Soldering Technician do?

A soldering technician uses specialized equipment to solder components together. In electronics manufacturing, you make precise welds to connect wire to computer chips or other components. The craft requires extreme precision since you solder together very small parts. soldering machines used in large-scale assembly can be worked on with hand tools.

Soldering technicians use a variety of tools general to manufacturing electronics, aside from a soldering iron, such as side cutters, pliers, and crimp tools. Other roles of a soldering technician include:

  • Repairing circuit boards.
  • Cutting components to fit the board.
  • Maintaining stock levels using a computerized system to ensure all needed equipment and materials are available.
  • Testing finished boards to check functionality.
  • Following technical drawings carefully.
  • Attention to Detail

    Soldering technicians need to be able to work quickly and accurately, creating precise replicas of technical drawings. Precision is paramount when soldering or using handheld tools on small components or boards.

  • Quality Assurance

    Soldering technicians must check the quality of products visually and through various tests. Furthermore, all products should meet the specified standards.

  • Mechanical Safety

    These technicians operate design machinery and modify machinery settings as needed to meet design specifications. They must operate power tools and other heavy machinery while following strict safety guidelines.

  • Communication Skills

    Soldering technicians are excellent communicators who work with a team of other technicians and engineers to perform their duties successfully.

Salary

Salary

Soldering technicians earn an average yearly salary of $31,736

Starting-level

Starting-level soldering technician earnings begin at:

 
$12 per hour
$25,000 per year
Senior-level

Senior-level soldering technician earnings begin at:

 
$17 per hour
$35,000 per year
Mid-level

Mid-level soldering technician earnings begin at:

 
$15 per hour
$31,736 per year
Top-level

Top-level soldering technician earnings begin at:

 
$19 per hour
$39,000 per year
Junior-level

Junior-level soldering technician earnings begin at:

 
$13 per hour
$28,000 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

What does the workplace for a Soldering Technician look like?

Soldering technicians usually work up to 40 hours a week, however they may be required to do early morning starts. Overtime may be available too.

General equipment and workplace safety must be enforced. Soldering technicians use a variety of tools general to manufacturing electronics, aside from a soldering iron, such as side cutters, pliers, and crimp tools.

Top Industries for Soldering Technicians:

  • Manufacturing
  • Technology
  • Fortune 500

How to Become a Soldering Technician?

Soldering Technician

Soldering technicians require a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a G.E.D.) at a minimum. Candidates with proven skills in soldering are more attractive to employers, for example, those with intermediate or advanced level apprenticeships are especially desirable. Alternatively, experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment is sure to go a long way in making a candidate stand out.

Training is always available, be it through the employer or externally. Even completing a short course on soldering could prove competency to work as a Soldering Technician, and many employers would be happy to accommodate further learning. Training in working in electronics would cover basic production line skills, from introducing tools and components to essential health and safety.

Generally, lacking experience in soldering is not a drawback, as long as candidates are willing to learn and keen to develop skills.

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