Boilermaker Career Guide

Boilermakers are trained to safely perform installation and repairs on a variety of industrial equipment found throughout industry's such as railroad, shipbuilding, industrial plants and utility power production. This career field is in demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Boilermaker welding on and repairing a firetube boiler.

Boilermaker repairing tubes in a firetube boiler.

Job that's in demand
The need for Boilermakers is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming a Boilermaker.
Interesting and Challenging
Boilermakers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to safely install and repair industrial equipment. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Boilermaker. Many Boilermakers have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program.

Where you can work as a Boilermaker and Job Responsibilities

Contractor

Many Boilermakers are employed by contractors and travel to various job sites. These workers perform extensive repairs to boilers and other large pressure vessels. Also, they participate in the construction of new industrial plants and power generating utilities.

Utility/Industrial Plants

Merchant Marine/Shipbuilding

Job Responsibilities

Boilermakers participate in the construction and repair of industrial plants, refinery's, power production facilities, ships and railroad equipment. Boilermakers are trained in rigging, industrial construction activities, OSHA safety standards, ASME codes, blueprint reading, project layout, nuclear power, boiler operation and repair. In addition, boilermakers receive extensive training in various welding techniques. For this reason, boilermakers typically perform welding and repairs on high pressure steam boilers or other large pressure vessels that may need to be inspected or tested prior to being put back in service. Boilermakers work in confine spaces such as a boiler, outdoors, may be exposed to heights, perform heavy lifting, may be exposed to loud noises and may work irregular hours to complete projects on time.

Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career progression idea's for Boilermakers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Boilermakers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to a management position such as foremen, supervisor or facility manager. These managers typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities and various equipment. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Stationary Engineer/Boiler Operator

Stationary engineers and boiler operators are trained to operate, maintain and service a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment. These workers typically complete some form of training in HVAC/R and Electrical systems. They also usually have several years of experience before they can perform the duties of a stationary engineer. In addition, many stationary engineers may be licensed to work on high pressure steam boilers.

How much money you can make as a Boilermaker and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Boilermaker is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on the compensation for Boilermakers- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472011.htm

Apprenticeships

A great way to get started as a Boilermaker is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding apprenticeship programs in your area. Contact a union local in your area today for more information.

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers-https://boilermakers.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College/Trade School

Most Boilermakers get their training through an apprenticeship program. However, community colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the skilled trades field. Classes in math, blueprint reading and especially welding could help a student get accepted into an apprenticeship program. Its important to research the quality of the training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs or getting accepted into apprenticeship programs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local skilled trades contractors on what their experience has been with students that have completed programs from these schools

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. These occupations will certainly help develop important skills that are relevant to the Boilermaker field. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.