How to Become a Boilermaker in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin employs about 170 boilermakers earning a median $97,590 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most boilermakers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin employs approximately 170 boilermakers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $97,590 1. Nationally, boilermaker employment is projected to grow -2.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Boilermaker in Wisconsin, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

  • Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
  • Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
  • Median wage (Wisconsin): $97,590 per year 1

Quick Answers About How to Become a Boilermaker in Wisconsin

How to become a Boilermaker in Wisconsin? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for boilermakers in Wisconsin.

How long does it take? Most paths into the boilermaker field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

What do boilermakers earn in Wisconsin? The median annual wage for boilermakers in Wisconsin is $97,590 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $60,090 and experienced professionals can earn $103,060 or more 1.

How to Become a Boilermaker in Wisconsin

  1. Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Wisconsin training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
  2. Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Wisconsin that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
  3. Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
  4. Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to boilermakers in Wisconsin before you start working.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Boilermaker Apprenticeship Information in Wisconsin

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships 3.

Contact Information:

  • Office: State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
  • Address: 201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53707
  • Phone: (608) 733-3930
  • Email: [email protected]

Boilermaker Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin

Boilermakers Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), boilermakers wages in Wisconsin vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Minneapolis-St. Paul-BloomingtonN/A$105,430$102,760$86,950$110,840

Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for boilermakers in Wisconsin? Wisconsin currently employs approximately 170 boilermakers 1. Nationally, boilermaker employment is projected to grow -2.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.

What training programs are available in Wisconsin? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Wisconsin. You can also contact the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.

How much do boilermakers earn in Wisconsin compared to the national average? The median annual wage for boilermakers in Wisconsin is $97,590, which is $24,250 above the national median of $73,340 according to BLS data 1.

In Wisconsin

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Citations

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/.

References


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/appr_stats/active_wtt.pdf ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / 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)