How much does a boilermaker make?
a year · about $37 an hour
A typical boilermaker in the United States makes $76,410 a year, about $37 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read blueprints, fit and weld boiler parts, then test the vessel for leaks and repair faulty pipes or valves. They may scrub tanks with wire brushes, sometimes high above the ground or in tight spaces.
Did you know? A boilermaker working on a dam may be hundreds of feet above the ground!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $50,490 and $110,370How do you become one?
In the US, finish high school or an equivalent, then apply to an apprenticeship—usually at 18; welding experience can help, and training typically lasts four years. Some states require a license based on work experience and an exam.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the US, experienced boilermakers often earn more than apprentices, and pay can differ by industry, employer, and location. State licenses and overtime during repairs can also affect what workers earn.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($118,150), lowest in Maryland ($42,250).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a ironworker averages $33,776. Boilermaker salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,490 | $76,410 | $110,370 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,150 | about 720 |
| Mississippi | $105,910 | about 280 |
| New Mexico | $101,200 | about 300 |
| Illinois | $99,730 | about 110 |
| Michigan | $98,220 | — |
Official 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/boilermakers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/47-2011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- boilermakersapprenticeship.com/applicants
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY