What is a Boilermaker?

Boilermaker Definition 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.

What do Boilermakers do On a Daily Basis?

• Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.
• Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts, such as safety valves or regulators, using torches, jacks, caulking hammers, power saws, threading dies, welding equipment, or metalworking machinery.
• Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
• Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.
• Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.
• Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.

Things a Boilermaker Should Know How to Do

These are the skills Boilermakers say are the most useful in their careers:

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Other Boilermaker Job Titles

• Boiler Maker
• Boilermaker Pipe Fitter
• Boiler Repairman
• Assembler
• Service Technician

Job Demand for Boilermakers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 17,200 jobs in the United States for Boilermakers.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Boilermakers by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Boilermaker per year.

The states with the most job growth for Boilermakers are Texas, Florida, and Wyoming.

Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Idaho, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Boilermaker Make?

Boilermakers Make between $37,610 and $89,940 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $62,150.

How much do Boilermakers make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
North Dakota	$81,500
Pennsylvania	$78,380
Nebraska	$76,620
Kentucky	$76,340
Michigan	$71,930
Ohio	$71,840
Indiana	$71,600
Colorado	$70,520
California	$70,120
New York	$69,820
Wyoming	$69,440
Illinois	$69,030
New Jersey	$68,640
West Virginia	$68,270
Connecticut	$68,250
Tennessee	$66,380
Washington	$65,900
Montana	$65,250
Massachusetts	$64,610
Minnesota	$64,360
North Carolina	$62,370
Georgia	$62,070
Maryland	$61,910
Oregon	$61,350
Arizona	$60,740
Louisiana	$60,720
South Carolina	$60,590
New Mexico	$60,310
Utah	$60,290
Florida	$59,240
Wisconsin	$58,020
Texas	$57,480
Virginia	$57,310
Alabama	$56,540
Oklahoma	$54,610
Missouri	$51,420
Arkansas	$47,500
Nevada	$38,930

What Tools do Boilermakers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Boilermakers:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Windows
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Microsoft Office

Becoming a Boilermaker

Are there Boilermaker education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Boilermakers?

Related Careers

Those thinking about becoming Boilermakers might also be interested in the following careers:

• Model Makers, Wood

Career changers with experience as a Boilermaker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons