Boilermaker

Build and maintain the pressure vessels that power industry.

A high-skill welding and mechanical trade that combines heavy fabrication, code welding, rigging, and safety-critical inspection work across industrial environments.

Common Industries

Chemicals

Manufacturing

Mining

Oil & Gas

Power Generation

Shipbuilding

Primary Jobs

Boiler Inspector

Boiler Technician

Boilermaker

Boilermaker Helper

Pressure Vessel Welder

Related Jobs

Boilermaker Foreman

Boilermaker Superintendent

Pressure Vessel Inspector

Welding Inspector

Technologies

Boiler Fabrication
Boiler Inspection
Bolt-Up and Torquing
Hydrostatic Testing
Non-Destructive Testing
Plate Welding
Pressure Vessel Codes (ASME)
Refractory Installation
Rigging and Lifting
Tube and Pipe Welding

Career Path Examples(for education purposes only)

Non-Union Path

Boilermaker Helper → Boilermaker → Senior Boilermaker → Lead Boilermaker → Foreman → Superintendent

Union Path

Boilermaker Apprentice → Journeyman Boilermaker → Lead Boilermaker → Foreman → General Foreman → Superintendent

For education purposes only. The career path examples, progression descriptions, and role information on this page are provided by BuildEm as general guidance to help you explore career options. They do not guarantee or promise any specific career outcome, advancement timeline, or employment result. Career progression varies by employer, industry, location, individual performance, and other factors. Always verify this information directly with a prospective employer or a qualified career advisor before making any career or employment decisions.

Career Progression Examples

For education purposes only — actual progression varies by employer.

Entry Level

Starting Strong

Learns safety, material handling, rigging basics, plate layout, grinding, and supervised welding and assembly.

Mid Level

Building Momentum

Fabricates and repairs boilers and pressure vessels independently, performs code welds, and follows inspection procedures.

Senior

Leading with Expertise

Handles complex fabrication and repair, leads rigging and shutdown work, mentors helpers, and manages quality and safety.

Expert

Setting the Standard

Owns boiler program strategy, code compliance, inspection programs, shutdown planning, and workforce standards.

Relevant Certifications

ASME Boiler Certification

AWS Welding Certification

NCCER Boilermaker

NDT Certification

OSHA 30

Related Career Areas

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