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.

$65,000
Entry Level Salary
$71,000
National Median Pay
$100,000+
Real Go-Getters Make
Source: Lightcast 2025

 

What Does a Boilermaker Do?

A boilermaker at work

What Does a Boilermaker Do?

A boilermaker at work

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.

A boilermaker at work

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.

Recommended Education icon

Minimum Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

Recommended Education

Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.

Advanced Education icon

Advanced Education

Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, structural welding, etc.

Recommended Training icon

Recommended Training

Related structural steel fabrication or steel erection work experience

Advanced Training icon

Advanced Training

Apprenticeship program

Recommended Certification icon

Recommended Certification

AWS Certified Welder