Boilermakers and Mechanics
Overview
Introduction
Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics construct, assemble, and repair boilers, vats, tanks, and other large metal vessels that are designed to hold liquids and gases. Following blueprints, they lay out, cut, fit, bolt, weld, and rivet together heavy metal plates, boiler tubes, and castings. Boilermaker mechanics maintain and repair boilers and other vessels made by boilermakers. There are approximately 14,500 boilermakers working in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly wage for boilermakers in May 2018 was $29.88. For full-time work at 40 hours per week, this wage translates into a median annual income of $62,150. The department also reports that the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $18.08 per hour, or approximately $37,610 per year for full-time work. At the other end of the pay scale, the h...
Work Environment
Boilermaking tends to be more hazardous than many other occupations. Boilermakers often work with dangerous tools and equipment; they must manage heavy materials; and they may climb to heights to do installation or repair work. Despite great progress in preventing accidents, the rate of on-the-job injuries for boilermakers remains higher than the average for all manufacturing industries. Employ...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects that employment for boilermakers will grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2028. Some employment opportunities will be due to the trend of repairing and retrofitting, rather than replacing, boilers, which can last more than 50 years. Other opportunities may stem from the nation's increasing demand for electricity; the passage of f...
