How much does a boiler operator make?
Answer: A typical boiler operator in the United States makes $78,620 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 28,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Boiler operator pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,590 | $78,620 | $125,390 | about 28,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $115,780 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $94,070 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $91,530 | about 520 |
| California | $90,650 | about 6,000 |
| District of Columbia | $90,470 | about 620 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience and licenses that qualify workers to run larger equipment or take on more responsibility. It also varies by employer and location, and night or weekend shifts, overtime, or shift premiums can affect total pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a boiler operator do?
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
What's a typical day like?
They check gauges and computer controls, watch water and fuel levels, and adjust valves to keep boilers running safely. They also inspect and repair equipment such as air conditioners, pumps, and generators.
How to get this job
In the US, finish high school or its equivalent, then train on the job with an experienced operator or join an apprenticeship. Some states or cities require experience and a written licensing exam; employers may also give their own test before you work alone.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Despite the name, boiler operators may also maintain air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, turbines, generators, pumps, and compressors.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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/production/stationary-engineers-and-boiler-operators.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-8021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY