Boilermaker
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. Federal job definition
How people get into it
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists apprenticeship as the typical training for this job.
Most boilermakers learn their trade through an apprenticeship program.
Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship programs typically last 4 years.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Apprenticeship
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (37 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,570 | 180 |
| Arizona | $77,940 | 170 |
| Arkansas | $76,810 | 50 |
| California | $118,150 | 720 |
| Colorado | $89,350 | 40 |
| Connecticut | $80,360 | 50 |
| Florida | $69,790 | 400 |
| Georgia | $64,200 | — |
| Idaho | $88,400 | 70 |
| Illinois | $99,730 | 110 |
| Indiana | $91,410 | 170 |
| Iowa | $82,470 | 50 |
| Kansas | $72,170 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $74,810 | 150 |
| Louisiana | $73,980 | 1,220 |
| Maryland | $42,250 | 30 |
| Michigan | $98,220 | — |
| Minnesota | $96,190 | 140 |
| Mississippi | $105,910 | 280 |
| Missouri | $78,550 | 100 |
| Nevada | $61,430 | 70 |
| New Hampshire | $85,470 | 60 |
| New Jersey | $82,410 | 280 |
| New Mexico | $101,200 | 300 |
| New York | $84,770 | 410 |
| North Carolina | $49,720 | 150 |
| Ohio | $85,550 | 300 |
| Oklahoma | $77,750 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $86,850 | 260 |
| South Carolina | $74,840 | — |
| Tennessee | $51,810 | 180 |
| Texas | $75,750 | 2,340 |
| Virginia | $67,540 | 150 |
| Washington | $95,200 | 190 |
| West Virginia | $63,850 | 30 |
| Wisconsin | $97,590 | 170 |
| Wyoming | $77,900 | 30 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 10,200
- Openings each year
- 700projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- -1.8%expected to shrink 1.8%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.