Boilermakers
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.
Also called: Assembler, Boiler Control Technician (Boiler Control Tech), Boiler Erector, Boiler Fitter, Boiler Installer, Boiler Maker
Median pay
$76,410
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$50,490 – $110,370
People employed
10,190
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Boilermakers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (37 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What boilermakers do
- 01Conduct pressure tests on vessels, such as boilers.
- 02Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
- 03Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.
- 04Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
- 05Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
- 06Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Building and Construction
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from boilermakers
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators80% · +3%
- Millwrights80% · −14%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door77% · −3%
- Wellhead Pumpers77% · −8%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators75% · −8%
Change into boilermakers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons84% · $61,290
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers83% · $39,630
- Millwrights82% · $65,700
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers82% · $53,750
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters81% · $46,680
Majors that lead here
- Boilermaking/Boilermaker
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.