Boilermaker Career
Boilermakers are responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining large boilers and other pressurized vessels. The work can be physically intensive, but also requires you to have a deep knowledge of the tools and systems necessary to complete the job.
Boilermakers most commonly work in an industrial setting. Travel is often required for you to get from one job site to the next as work becomes available. This can mean being away from home for extended periods of time.
Boilermaker Career Snapshot
Boilermakers will often work in dangerous settings. Work may be performed high above the ground or in confined spaces. As this is a construction job, you may have to complete work on a tight schedule. This means that there may be ample opportunities for you to work overtime. These jobs are often on a contract, so once a job is completed you will be free to find your next opportunity.
Further details on a career as a boilermaker are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly salary for boilermakers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
jobs as boilermakers in 2014.
Boilermaker Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is all that is typically required to begin training as a boilermaker. Apprenticing under an experienced boilermaker is the best way to learn the trade. These apprenticeships can last several years, but may be shorter if you have prior welding experience and certifications.
Boilermaker Salaries
The average annual salary for a boilermaker sits at $60,120 according to BLS.gov May 2015 data. The lower 10% will earn slightly less than $37,000/year, while the top 10% will earn just over $86,000/year. The amount earned per year can be affected by the amount of overtime available as well as any periods of unemployment between jobs.
Boilermaker Job Duties
Boilermakers will consult blueprints before using hand and power tools, as well as welding and cutting equipment to fit, bolt, and weld assemblies into place. Basic mathematical skills and strong communication skills are required for workers to properly locate components in their final position. The work environment is generally hazardous and proper safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Burns, cuts and strains are some of the more common injuries you will see among boilermakers.
Boilermaker Job Outlook
The expected job growth for boilermakers is stronger than average. Between 2014 and 2024 there is expected to be a 9% increase in boilermaker positions available.
Boilermaker Skills & Traits
| Boilermaker Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Boilermakers: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Operation Monitoring • Operation and Control • Critical Thinking • Equipment Maintenance • Quality Control Analysis | • Arm-Hand Steadiness • Control Precision • Finger Dexterity • Near Vision • Problem Sensitivity | • Blow Torch • Hoists • Levels • Power Saws • Blacksmiths’ Punches | • Controlling Machines & Processes • Handling & Moving Objects • Performing General Physical Activities • Decision Making • Repair Mechanical Equipment |
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