Boilermakers
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
Is boilermakers a good career?
It scores 13/100 and ranks #578 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($76,410)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-2.4% through 2034)
What boilermakers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. boilermakers earn between $64,760 and $95,430 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live boilermakers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required.
Training
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program. During training, workers learn how to use boilermaker tools and equipment on the job. They also learn about metals and installation techniques, blueprint reading and sketching, safety practices, and other topics.
Apprenticeship programs typically last 4 years. When boilermakers finish an apprenticeship, they are considered to be journey-level workers. A few groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship applicants who have previous welding or other related experience, such as through the military, may have priority over applicants without experience. In addition, those with experience or education may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship.
Some boilermakers enter apprenticeships after working as pipefitters, millwrights, sheet metal workers, or welders. The core training for these occupations is similar to the training for boilermakers.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require boilermakers to have a license; check with your state Licensure requirements typically include work experience and passing an exam.
Employers may require or prefer that boilermakers have professional certification.
Important qualities
Mechanical skills. Boilermakers use and maintain a variety of equipment, such as hoists and welding machines.
Physical stamina. Boilermakers spend many hours on their feet while lifting heavy boiler components.
Physical strength. Boilermakers must be able to move heavy vat components into place.
Unafraid of confined spaces. Boilermakers often work inside boilers and vats.
Unafraid of heights. Some boilermakers work at great heights. While installing water storage tanks, for example, workers may need to weld tanks several stories above the ground.
Related occupations
How much do boilermakers make?
The national median wage is $76,410 a year, with the middle half earning between $64,760 and $95,430 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is boilermakers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 13 of 100 and ranks #578 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -2.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a boilermaker?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do boilermakers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($118,150). Local pay for every state and metro is below.