Boilermaker

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-4.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Boilermaker?

A Boilermaker is a tradesperson who fabricates, installs, and maintains boilers, tanks, and closed vats. These structures are used to contain liquids, gases, and vapors, often under high pressure.

Sample job titles:

Boiler Maker, Boiler Mechanic, Boiler Technician, Boilermaker

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Boilermaker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Boilermaker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$62K per year	$73K per year	$94K per year	$108K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Boilermaker do?

Work environment

Boilermakers typically work in industrial settings such as factories, shipyards, and power plants. The job can be physically demanding and may involve working at heights or in confined spaces. It often requires travel to work sites and the ability to work in a variety of weather conditions.

Quick task list

Assembles, installs, and repairs boilers and other large containers that hold liquids and gases.
Reads blueprints and understands how the pieces of a boiler fit together.
Welds, bolts, and rivets steel components together.
Inspects and tests boiler systems for leaks or defects.
Performs maintenance and repair work on existing boiler systems.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Industrial Boilermaking: Specializing in boilers used in industrial settings like power plants and factories.
Marine Boilermaking: Focusing on boilers used in ships and marine vessels.
Commercial Boilermaking: Working on boilers used in commercial buildings for heating and other functions.
Fabrication and Welding: Specializing in the fabrication of boiler parts and components.
Maintenance and Repair: Concentrating on the upkeep and repair of existing boiler systems.

Description

Boilermakers play a critical role in industries where boilers are used for various applications, including power generation, manufacturing, and maritime transport. The role requires a high level of skill in metalwork and fabrication, as boilermakers must construct boilers that can withstand high pressure and temperature. This occupation demands precision and attention to detail, as even small errors can have significant consequences in terms of safety and efficiency.

The job involves both physical labor and technical knowledge. Boilermakers must be proficient in welding, bolting, and assembling large metal structures. They often work in challenging environments, including cramped spaces or at heights. The ability to read and interpret blueprints is crucial, as is a strong understanding of safety standards and protocols.

Boilermaking is not just about constructing new boilers; it also involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing existing ones. Boilermakers must be able to identify problems and execute repairs efficiently. This role suits individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are interested in a career in industrial maintenance and fabrication.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Mastery of a unique and valuable trade skill.
The challenge and variety of working on different projects and in different environments.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work in the form of completed structures.

You might make a good Boilermaker if you are...

Skilled with your hands and have a keen eye for detail.
Comfortable working in physically demanding conditions.
A problem solver who enjoys working on mechanical tasks.
Able to read and interpret technical blueprints and diagrams.
Safety-conscious and aware of the importance of adherence to strict safety guidelines.

Pros:

Job security in industries that rely heavily on boilers.
Opportunities to work in diverse settings and industries.
Satisfaction from building and maintaining essential industrial equipment.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work.
May involve working in extreme conditions or confined spaces.
Often requires travel and working away from home for extended periods.

How to become a Boilermaker

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Most boilermakers learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship program that combines technical instruction with on-the-job training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or welding courses to develop basic metalworking skills.
Mathematics, particularly geometry and algebra, for precise measurements and calculations.
Physics to understand the principles of pressure and heat in boiler operation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or mechanical hobby groups.
Participating in team sports to build physical stamina.
Volunteering for community service projects that involve construction or repair work.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a vocational or technical school for formal training in welding and metal fabrication.
Applying for apprenticeships with experienced boilermakers or related trade unions.
Obtaining certifications in welding, safety, and other relevant skills.
Seeking opportunities for on-the-job training to gain practical experience.

More resources

Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - Offers apprenticeship programs and training information.
American Welding Society (AWS) - Provides resources and certification programs for welding professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Guidelines and training for workplace safety, relevant to boilermakers.
The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors - Offers resources and information on boiler safety and inspection standards.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.