How to Become a Boilermaker
Ever seen a massive steel tank or pressure vessel at a power plant?
Boilermakers are the skilled tradespeople who build, install, and maintain them.
Boilermakers assemble, repair, and maintain boilers, tanks, and other large vessels used to hold liquids and gases. They work in power generation, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and heavy industry.
If you enjoy working with your hands, reading blueprints, and tackling complex metal fabrication, boilermaking offers a solid industrial career path.
Quick answers
At a glance
- Typical work: assemble, repair, and maintain boilers, tanks, and other large vessels used to hold liquids and gases
- Common settings: power plants, shipyards, manufacturing plants and refineries, industrial construction sites, and fabrication shops
- Training: apprenticeship (3-4 years); optional pre-apprenticeship or trade school (6-12 months)
- Certifications: optional OSHA safety training or AWS welding credentials
- Advancement: foreman, inspector, industrial maintenance supervisor, project management, or independent contracting
What does a boilermaker do? Boilermakers assemble, repair, and maintain boilers, tanks, and other large vessels used to hold liquids and gases. Their work includes cutting, shaping, and assembling metal components.
Where do boilermakers work? They work in power generation, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and heavy industry. Work settings include power plants, shipyards, refineries, industrial construction sites, and metal fabrication shops.
Do you need trade school to become a boilermaker? A pre-apprenticeship or technical program is optional. Most boilermakers learn through multi-year apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
How long does boilermaker training take? A pre-apprenticeship or trade school program is typically 6-12 months. A boilermaker apprenticeship typically takes 3-4 years.
What certifications can help? Certifications such as OSHA safety training or AWS welding credentials can help demonstrate technical proficiency and job readiness.
What skills and traits matter most? Strong mechanical and welding skills, blueprint reading, physical coordination, and safety awareness are important for boilermakers.
What Boilermakers Do
Boilermakers build and maintain large steel vessels that contain high-pressure gases or liquids. Their work includes cutting, shaping, and assembling metal components, often in demanding industrial environments.
Typical Tasks
- Read blueprints and layout specifications for boilers and tanks
- Align and weld metal sections together using arc welding or flame-cutting tools
- Test completed assemblies for leaks and structural integrity
- Install or repair valves, piping, and fittings
- Perform maintenance on boilers and pressure systems
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Strong mechanical and welding skills
- Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Physical strength and coordination
- Attention to detail and safety awareness
- Willingness to travel for industrial projects
Work Settings for Boilermakers
Boilermakers are employed in a variety of industrial environments such as:
- Power plants and energy facilities
- Shipyards and marine construction
- Manufacturing plants and refineries
- Industrial construction sites
- Metal fabrication and repair shops
Some jobs require travel or working in confined spaces and high-temperature environments.
How to Become a Boilermaker (5 Steps)
Here’s a typical route to entering the trade.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Take courses in math, science, and shop to prepare for technical work involving measurements, heat, and pressure systems.
2. Complete a Pre-Apprenticeship or Technical Program (Optional)
Some schools offer training in welding, blueprint reading, and industrial safety, which can provide a strong foundation before starting an apprenticeship.
3. Enter a Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Most boilermakers learn through multi-year apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience in welding, assembly, and repair.
4. Earn Relevant Certifications
Certifications such as OSHA safety training or AWS welding credentials can help demonstrate technical proficiency and job readiness.
5. Gain Experience and Advance
Experienced boilermakers can move into supervisory, inspection, or project management roles, or start independent contracting businesses specializing in industrial metalwork.
Education and Training Paths
| Pathway | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Apprenticeship or Trade School | 6-12 months | Basic instruction in welding, fabrication, and safety |
| Apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Comprehensive hands-on and classroom training in boilermaking |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Real-world experience under skilled professionals |
Career Growth and Advancement
With experience, boilermakers may advance into:
- Crew leader or foreman roles
- Boiler or pressure system inspector
- Industrial maintenance supervisor
- Independent contractor in fabrication or repair
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hands-on work with large industrial projects
- Opportunities for travel and overtime in specialized sectors
- Valuable welding and fabrication skills applicable to multiple industries
Cons
- Physically demanding and sometimes hazardous work environments
- Jobs may involve travel or irregular hours
- Requires strong adherence to safety protocols
Quick Facts: Boilermaker Training and Outlook
Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies
These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Primary boilermaker union; runs the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program (BNAP).
- National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers (NACBE) Boilermaker employer association partnering on apprenticeship training.
Federal Prevailing Wages by State
The U.S. Department of Labor sets Davis-Bacon prevailing wages that contractors must pay on federally funded construction projects. These are minimum hourly rates, not averages - actual market pay can be higher. Across 27 states with active 2026 determinations, the average total compensation (base + fringe) for boilermakers is $73.88/hour. California pays the highest rate ($94.09/hr total), while New Mexico reports the lowest active determination ($25.75/hr total).
| State | Base Hourly | Fringe Hourly | Total Hourly | Annualized* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $51.98 | $42.11 | $94.09 | $195,707 |
| Delaware | $55.00 | $35.48 | $90.48 | $188,198 |
| Alaska | $58.33 | $28.79 | $87.12 | $181,210 |
| Iowa | $48.48 | $33.91 | $82.39 | $171,371 |
| Pennsylvania | $48.28 | $33.17 | $81.45 | $169,416 |
| Indiana | $43.24 | $38.17 | $81.41 | $169,333 |
| Wisconsin | $46.52 | $34.63 | $81.15 | $168,792 |
| Hawaii | $49.37 | $31.25 | $80.62 | $167,690 |
| Michigan | $43.50 | $36.74 | $80.24 | $166,899 |
| Massachusetts | $50.62 | $28.82 | $79.44 | $165,235 |
| Rhode Island | $50.62 | $28.82 | $79.44 | $165,235 |
| North Dakota | $48.00 | $31.14 | $79.14 | $164,611 |
| Illinois | $45.23 | $32.76 | $77.99 | $162,219 |
| Minnesota | $46.00 | $31.93 | $77.93 | $162,094 |
| West Virginia | $47.13 | $28.93 | $76.06 | $158,205 |
| Idaho | $47.67 | $28.38 | $76.05 | $158,184 |
| Nevada | $44.31 | $28.96 | $73.27 | $152,402 |
| New York | $39.35 | $33.18 | $72.53 | $150,862 |
| Kentucky | $43.85 | $28.44 | $72.29 | $150,363 |
| Utah | $44.37 | $26.87 | $71.24 | $148,179 |
| Wyoming | $38.42 | $32.82 | $71.24 | $148,179 |
| Montana | $38.75 | $32.31 | $71.06 | $147,805 |
| Alabama | $34.21 | $23.92 | $58.13 | $120,910 |
| Georgia | $34.21 | $23.92 | $58.13 | $120,910 |
| Oklahoma | $33.70 | $24.41 | $58.11 | $120,869 |
| Texas | $33.17 | $24.92 | $58.09 | $120,827 |
| New Mexico | $21.77 | $3.98 | $25.75 | $53,560 |
* Annualized total = total hourly × 2,080 hours (40-hour week, 52 weeks). Actual annual pay varies with overtime, project length, and benefits utilization.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division - Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations, 2026. Rates reflect the lowest base rate within each statewide determination for boilermaker classifications.
Wage and Employment Charts
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $50,490 |
| 25th | $64,760 |
| 50th (median) | $76,410 |
| 75th | $95,430 |
| 90th | $110,370 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10,400 |
| 2034 projected | 10,100 |
| Percent change | -2.4% |
Workplace Safety Snapshot
BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 33.9 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in boilermakers (about 0.34 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a boilermaker?
It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started.
How much do boilermakers make?
The median annual salary for boilermakers is $76,410 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $50,490, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $110,370. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization.
What is the job outlook for boilermakers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -2.4% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly on pace with the overall economy. Approximately 800 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field.
Do you need a college degree to become a boilermaker?
No. A college degree is not required to work as a boilermaker. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.
Which states pay boilermakers the most?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for boilermakers are California, Mississippi, and New Mexico. Median annual wages: California ($118,150); Mississippi ($105,910); New Mexico ($101,200).
Which states employ the most boilermakers?
BLS reports the largest concentrations of boilermakers in Texas, Louisiana, and California. Employment levels: Texas (2,340 workers); Louisiana (1,220 workers); California (720 workers) (May 2025).
How much do experienced boilermakers earn?
The top 10% of boilermakers earn more than $110,370 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications.
What is entry-level pay for boilermakers?
BLS reports the bottom 10% of boilermakers earn under $50,490 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials.
How many boilermakers work in the United States?
BLS reports approximately 10,190 boilermakers employed nationwide as of May 2025.
How many job openings are expected for boilermakers each year?
BLS projects approximately 800 openings per year for boilermakers from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow -2.4% from 2024 to 2034, classified as in decline growth.
How much do boilermakers make per hour?
The median hourly wage for boilermakers is $36.74, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $24.28 (bottom 10%) to $53.06 (top 10%).
How Boilermaker Pay Compares to Similar Trades
Side-by-side comparison of Boilermaker and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).
| Career | Median Pay | 10-Year Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boilermaker this guide | $76,410 | -2.4% | 800 |
| Plumbing Listings | $63,800 | +4.5% | 44,000 |
| Plumbing Listings | $63,800 | +4.5% | 44,000 |
| Welding | $53,750 | +2.2% | 45,600 |
| Ironworker | $62,780 | +4.4% | 5,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)
Boilermaker Salary by State
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |