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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Boilermakers

Median Salary
71,140
Job Outlook
-1%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

92%

Federal Government

4%

Self-employed

2%

State and local government

2%

Private not for profit

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 1,000 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$49,510

10%

$71,140

Median

$111,320

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Less than high school

    38%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    37%

  • High school

    22%

  • Some college

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Boilermaking/Boilermaker

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Production and Processing

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.