Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program. PayThe median annual wage for boilermakers was $76,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Learn about training pathways and use the career details above to identify the type of apprenticeship or technical preparation to research.
Pay
The median annual wage for boilermakers was $76,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
Work Environment
Boilermakers do physically demanding work. They may travel to worksites and be away from home for extended periods.
How to Become a Boilermaker
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program.
Pay
The median annual wage for boilermakers was $76,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Boilermakers do physically demanding work. They may travel to worksites and be away from home for extended periods.
How to Become a Boilermaker
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program.
Pay
The median annual wage for boilermakers was $76,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for boilermakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for boilermakers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of boilermakers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about boilermakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.