Boilermakers
SOC Code: 47-2011Also known as:
Assembler, Boiler Control Technician (Boiler Control Tech), Boiler Erector, Boiler Fitter, Boiler Installer
Median Annual Salary
$73,340
-2.4% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
10K
Current Jobs
What Boilermakers Do
Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
💰 Salary
$73,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.4%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
10,400
Projected Employment (2034)
10,100
Related Careers
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$62,970 •
+4.5% growth
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$39,270 •
+4.9% growth
Millwrights
$65,170 •
+0.0% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Conduct pressure tests on vessels, such as boilers.
- Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
- Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
- Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
- Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.
- Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
- Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.
- Shape or fabricate parts, such as stacks, uptakes, or chutes, to adapt pressure vessels, heat exchangers, or piping to premises, using heavy-metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, or drill presses.
- Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.
- Clean pressure vessel equipment, using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Boilermakers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a boilermakers:
Boilermaking/Boilermaker
25 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Boilermakers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become boilermakers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 24 | C |
| 2 | Columbus State Community College | Columbus, OH | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do boilermakers make?
The median annual salary for boilermakers is $73,340.
What education do boilermakers need?
Most boilermakers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Boilermaking/Boilermaker.
Is becoming boilermakers a good career choice?
Boilermakers is projected to see -2.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for boilermakers?
Top colleges for aspiring boilermakers include
Ivy Tech Community College, Columbus State Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to boilermakers?
Boilermakers may also be known as: Assembler, Boiler Control Technician (Boiler Control Tech), Boiler Erector, Boiler Fitter, Boiler Installer, Boiler Maker, Boiler Mechanic, Boiler Reliner, Boiler Repairman, Boiler Service Technician (Boiler Service Tech), Boiler Setter, Boiler Shop Mechanic, Boiler Technician (Boiler Tech), Boiler Tester, Boiler Welder, Boilerhouse Mechanic, Boilermaker, Boilermaker Fitter, Boilermaker Journeyman, Boilermaker Mechanic.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.