CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Boilermakers

Median pay

$73,340
Median annual pay for Boilermakers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

10,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Boilermakers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Building and Construction
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Arm-Hand Steadiness
  6. 6Finger Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Conduct pressure tests on vessels, such as boilers.
  • Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
  • Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
  • Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
  • Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.
  • Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
  • Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.
  • Shape or fabricate parts, such as stacks, uptakes, or chutes, to adapt pressure vessels, heat exchangers, or piping to premises, using heavy-metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, or drill presses.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyHealth and safety training software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.