Boilermaker Career Profile
Jump to:
Job Overview
Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, install, and repair large vessels and closed vats used to contain liquids and gases under high pressure. These structures are essential components in power plants, ships, refineries, and manufacturing facilities.
If you're drawn to physically demanding work that combines welding, rigging, and mechanical skills, becoming a boilermaker can lead to a challenging and well-paying career.
What Does a Boilermaker Do?
What Does a Boilermaker Do?
Boilermakers build and maintain boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels that hold steam, chemicals, and other industrial fluids. The job involves heavy equipment, high temperatures, and work in confined spaces, often at considerable heights.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Reading blueprints and technical diagrams
- Assembling boiler components using welding, riveting, or bolting
- Installing and maintaining boiler systems in power plants, ships, and factories
- Inspecting existing systems for corrosion, leaks, or wear
- Performing welding tasks, especially arc and TIG welding on thick metal components
- Following strict safety procedures and quality standards
Many boilermakers are also certified welders, referred to as boilermaker welders, who perform structural and pressure welding on boiler shells and pipe systems.
Career Requirements
Career Requirements
What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Become a Boilermaker?
Becoming a boilermaker requires a solid foundation in welding, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in physically demanding conditions. Employers typically look for:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Welding experience or AWS certifications
- Strong math and blueprint reading skills
- Comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights
- Understanding of safety practices related to heat, pressure, and hazardous materials
Most boilermakers start their careers through a multi-year apprenticeship program, where they learn welding, rigging, fabrication, and boiler operation on the job.
Salary & Career Outlook
Salary & Career Outlook
How Much Does a Boilermaker Make?
Boilermaking is one of the more lucrative skilled trades, thanks to the specialized nature of the work and its importance in heavy industry. According to national averages:
- Entry-level boilermakers: $55,000–$65,000 annually
- Experienced boilermakers: $70,000–$85,000 annually
- Specialized or union boilermakers: $90,000+ per year
Boilermaker welders often earn higher wages due to the demand for pressure vessel welding skills. Jobs may also include per diem, travel pay, or overtime, especially in shutdown or turnaround projects.
Training & Certifications
Training & Certifications
How Do I Get Started as a Boilermaker?
To become a boilermaker, most individuals begin with a registered apprenticeship. Steps to start this career path include:
- Completing a high school diploma or equivalent
- Joining a boilermaker apprenticeship program (typically 4 years)
- Learning welding, metal fabrication, rigging, and safety practices
- Earning welding certifications through AWS or union training programs
- Gaining field experience in industrial or construction environments
Boilermakers with AWS certifications in structural or pressure vessel welding are often more competitive and have access to a wider range of job opportunities.
Boilermaker Job Demand
The map below highlights job demand for boilermakers across the U.S. based on recent employment data. States with high levels of industrial construction and energy production typically show the strongest need for skilled boilermakers.
Learn More About Boilermaker Careers
Learn More About Boilermaker Careers
Boilermaking is a physically demanding but highly rewarding profession. With the right combination of training, welding certification, and field experience, you can access a stable career in industries that power the modern world.
AWS offers resources to help you earn welding certifications, find training opportunities, and advance in this essential skilled trade. Learn more and take the next step toward a career as a certified boilermaker.
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Recommended Education
Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.
Advanced Education
Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.
Recommended Training
Related structural steel fabrication or steel erection work experience
Advanced Training
Apprenticeship program
Recommended Certification
AWS Certified Welder