What does a boilermaker do?
- Assemble and install boilers, tanks and pressure vessels.
- Weld, cut and fit heavy steel parts.
- Inspect and repair equipment to keep it safe.
- Read blueprints and work with cranes and rigging.
Where do boilermakers work?
- Power plants and refineries
- Factories and chemical plants
- Ships and large construction sites
Is a career as a boilermaker right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like big, heavy, hands-on work.
- You're open to travelling to job sites.
- You want strong pay without a college degree.
How to become a boilermaker
Most boilermakers learn their trade through an apprenticeship, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
How much do boilermakers make?
The median pay for boilermakers in the U.S. was $76,410 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $50,490 to $110,370 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Boilermaker pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $76,410 |
| New Hampshire | $85,470 |
Job outlook for boilermakers
U.S. employment of boilermakers is projected to change by −2% (decline) from 2025 to 2035, with about 700 openings each year on average. There were 10,200 boilermaker jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Employment is projected to shrink slightly (about 2%) over the next decade, and it's a small field with about 700 openings a year.
- Boilermakers often travel to work sites and can be away from home for long stretches.
- The work is physically demanding.
Boilermaker FAQ
What does a boilermaker do?
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain and repair boilers, closed vats and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Typical work includes: assemble and install boilers, tanks and pressure vessels; weld, cut and fit heavy steel parts; inspect and repair equipment to keep it safe; read blueprints and work with cranes and rigging.
How do you become a boilermaker?
Most boilermakers learn their trade through an apprenticeship, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
How much do boilermakers make?
The median pay for boilermakers in the U.S. was $76,410 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Boilermakers). Most earn between $50,490 to $110,370 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are boilermakers in demand?
U.S. employment of boilermakers is projected to change by −2% (decline) from 2025 to 2035, with about 700 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.