[c22]

No doubt a lot of "assembly line" welding operations have already become highly automated. This is, however, already the area requiring lesser skilled and more easily replaced workpeople. I was thinking more about on-site and craft-associated welding which I imagine will continue to be highly valued until extremely portable and versatile high-DOF robotic manipulators become commonplace.

[polypodiopsi]

Its also getting payed for grinding through your body (like a lot of trades but welding especially.)

[c22]

A fair point, though a lot of office jobs aren't too kind on your body either.