Boilermaker Job Description, Career as a Boilermaker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
boilermakers boilers assemble repair
Education and Training High school
Salary Median—$21.68 per hour
Employment Outlook Good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels. Boilers hold liquids and pressurized gases that are used in many industries. Boilers supply steam to drive turbines in ships and electric power plants. They are also used to provide heat and power in buildings. Large vessels such as tanks and vats are used in the processing and storage of many products.
Boilermakers follow blueprints to install large boilers on-site or assemble small boilers in a manufacturing plant. Boilers and other vessels are made in sections from molten iron or steel. Boilermakers align sections using plumb bobs, levels, wedges, and turnbuckles. They make sure the section edges fit properly and bolt or weld them together. They attach other necessary components, such as water tubes, valves, and gauges. Once a boiler has been assembled, boilermakers test it for leaks and weak spots. In most areas, there are state and local laws setting standards that boilers must meet.
Boilermakers regularly inspect and maintain boilers and update components such as burners to increase efficiency. Boilermakers repair boilers that are worn or damaged. They may have to take a boiler apart to fix it. Sometimes they strengthen joints or use pieces of metal to patch weak spots. At other times they must replace a whole section of a boiler. Boilermakers also install special equipment on boilers and tanks to prevent smoke or fumes from polluting the air.
Most boilermakers work in the construction industry for contracting firms or government agencies. They assemble boilers and other vessels at shipyards, electric
Boilermakers assemble and repair boilers and the pipes attached to them. Working conditions may be dangerous since boilermakers sometimes work at great heights and in awkward positions.
power plants, and factories. Boilermakers also work for the iron and steel industry, railroad companies, oil refineries, chemical plants, and other industrial firms, where they repair and maintain boilers. In addition, boilermakers are employed by factories that make boilers.
Education and Training Requirements
Boilermakers learn the trade either through a formal apprenticeship or through a combination of technical school and employer-provided training. Applicants with welding training or certification have priority in admission to apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs typically require four years of on-the-job training with a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. Apprentices learn setup and assembly, welding, layout, and blueprint reading. Employers who train applicants prefer to hire people who are graduates of a high school or vocational school. Courses in mathematics, welding, metalworking, and blueprint reading are useful.
Getting the Job
When apprenticeships become available, the local union chapter advertises the opening by notifying vocational schools and high school vocational programs in the area. Interested persons who want to begin work as helpers can apply directly to companies that make, assemble, or use boilers. Sometimes manufacturing and construction companies list job openings in newspaper want ads.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Boilermakers can advance to supervisory positions. These opportunities are mainly available to those who have been through formal apprenticeship programs. A few boilermakers start their own contracting businesses.
The job outlook for boilermakers is good through 2014. Because of the physical demands of the work, unionized boilermakers are eligible to retire earlier than most other workers and are expected to retire in great numbers through 2014. However, the limited number of boilermaker apprenticeships, the trend toward repairing and retrofitting rather than replacing existing boilers, increased automation, and greater use of smaller boilers that require less on-site assembly are anticipated to contribute to fewer jobs. Interested persons with training in welding should have the greatest opportunity in being selected for apprenticeships.
Working Conditions
Boilermaker jobs are physically demanding and can be dangerous. Some boilers are more than ten stories high, and boilermakers may have to work at great heights on a scaffold or rigging. Sometimes they are exposed to wind, heat, or cold and loud noise. At other times they must work in cramped, humid, and poorly ventilated spaces. They use potentially dangerous tools. Workers often wear helmets and safety glasses. They are encouraged to follow safety rules to cut down on the danger involved in their work. Boilermakers should be strong and in good physical condition. They must be able to work well with their hands and use tools well. They generally work forty hours per week, although there can be extended periods of overtime work. In construction, the workweek may vary depending on the weather and the demand for new boilers. Maintenance and repair workers often work night shifts. In some cases, boilermakers have to travel to assemble or repair boilers at a distant site. About half of all boilermakers are unionized.
Earnings and Benefits
The median hourly wage of boilermakers in 2004 was $21.68. Apprentices begin at about half of the journey wage. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans.
User Comments
about 2 years ago
I have bs in Respiratory therapy. However, after working at the hospitals and nursing homes i've decided I want to be a boilermaker. I've always loved to weld and work with my hands. I just paid like 4500 bucks to take a 6 month course in welding. I know how to stick weld descent, simply because I grew up in a home that had a garage. I know it needs sharpened up. However, I'm goint to take TIG and sharpen up on my stick welding skills. I am thankful that there is a job out there that pays the correct wages. Wish me luck and God bless the unions!
over 2 years ago
I'm a 90% apprentice out of local 582 Baton Rouge, La. This craft is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Because of the high scale of pay plus all of the benefits, I am able to give my family a quality of living that I never had growning up. It is very hard work, there is a lot of overtime, and the work is usually on the road. It is very hard on a marrige. Still, I would suggest this craft to anyone who dosen't mind working hard. it is a great career.
over 2 years ago
i have worked in the boilermakers for 20 years an am damn proud to be a union boilermaker local 627 phoenix az.the best part is the pension
almost 3 years ago
He is right. 40 hour weeks are unheard of, usually. And the pay is way off!!! In Ontario it's about 35/hr. Apprentices start at 60% of that. As far as vacations go, you may have a lot of that in the boilermakers. We typically don't work winters. But some do. They sure aren't paid though. And before I foregt: 90% of Ontario is union work. And much of the U.S. and other provinces are union. So unless you work for Pete's boiler repair, you'll find decent wages.
about 1 year ago
waynr
here's the honest truth, people running the boilermaker union are corrupt and steal money from there. they hide their tracks by with holding information. they have pissed away the pension with terrible investments. the work is always hard on your body. either you are working hunched over or working on your knees or back on steel. there is dust and debris and chemicals that you inhale all day. the brotherhood is a thing of the past , these days any one will stab you in the back for a job or to save a little money. you are just another ant in the hill. you are working outside in all extreme weather. your pension is good provided that you even get it, most member die shortly after reitiring. the only good part is the pay. it is one of the worst jobs in construction......this is the truth
over 2 years ago
MrsWinston
My husband is a Union Boilermaker. I've seen my husband be very proud to be a part of something so grand as this. I never knew what a Boilermaker was and never understood how important, rigorous, and lucrative this career was until he was accepted as an apprentice 2.5 yrs ago. It is difficult when he has to travel due to slow periods of work in South Carolina, (we know the traveling is only temporary). The career is very lucrative financially. He can make on an 8 week assignment what I make an entire school year in my education field. Family time is important to us, so my advice to anyone getting in this career is to have a vision for your money like starting your own contracting business, save your money -CAUSE YOU'LL MAKE A LOT OF IT-, and be safe!
over 2 years ago
i have worked as a union boilermaker for 31 years, i'm proud to be out of local 454 in chattanooga, tenn,like most of the other comments here, its a dirty hazzardis job, challenging at times,dangerous at times also, but i love it and wouldnt change a thing.
my advice to younger members is to be prepared, for the hard times, it can be a prosperies job, but there are hard times also when work gets slack just plan for them and you will be fine.
the pay is very good, but like the other comments,lol, i can't remember the last 40 hr job i had, 5-10's are rare also, most of the time its 6-10's, 7-10's, or 7-12's.
about 3 years ago
most of your info is accurate however some is not. a 40 hour work week for boilermakers is usually unheard of mostly 6-7 10-12 hour days. also the pay scale seams a little off. as a journeyman i earn $33 an hour and as an apprentice i started at 70% of that. i also never heard of a paid holiday. we do work holidays at doublt time.. and we do not get paid vacations. well unless you are a superintendant..
about 1 month ago
wayner doesn't read his pension statement or understand anything about his union or his trade, if he is even a union Boilermaker. Yes, the pension took some losses in the aftermath of the housing bubble, as did every defined benefit plan in the country because the Republican allowed that housing bubble to implode and hurt stock markets. But Boilermakers have fared much better than those with defined contribution plans found in the non-union sector. We have one of the best pensions for working people, and it's one of the safest. I'd suggest to wayner to attend a union meeting if he's a Boilermaker, or to shut his yap if he's not. Either way, he's ignorant and a troll.
8 months ago
I'm Ramon Garcia from Philippines. 43 years of age. I'm skilled electrician specialized in trouble shooting like circuit breaker, motor problem, single phase or three phase. Re-wiring or renovation of electrical.Installation of panel board, cable tray . Knows how to read electrical plan and others..Hoping for your response ..Have a good day..My cell no. 09276040958.. Thanks..
over 2 years ago
bill
I worked the trade in boilermaskers for 22 years, its hot, dirty, away from home and have lost a few of my co-workers either on the job or illness due to the const. enviroment later in life.one thing that keeps us together is the brotherhood that is developed thru the membership of the Boilermakers Union.All that klitters isnt gold is tru, some say"dying for dollars" is the theme.To all the new recruits..SAFTEY is paramount, insist on adequate resperators!and clean sanitory baths and wash basins,after that its not that bad.
10 months ago
CALTEX OIL AND GAS
A SUBSIDIARY OF ORGANISATION OF PETROLEOM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC)
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3 months ago
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10 months ago
CALTEX OIL AND GAS
A SUBSIDIARY OF ORGANISATION OF PETROLEOM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC)
IS RECRUITING QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS FROM ANY PART OF THE WORLD.
WE SPECIALIZE IN OIL EXPLORATION AND MINING.
WE HAVE LOCATIONS IN
:SAUDI ARABIA,KUWAIT,NIGERIA,LIBYA,LEBANON,USA,UK,SINGAPORE,DENMARK,SPAIN,HUNGARY,GERMANY
SOUTH AFRICA,GHANA,COTE D'IVOIRE ETC.
VACANCIES ARE HIGHLY REQIURED IN
ACCOUNTACY
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
NURSES
PAEDIATRICIANS
GANAECOLOGISTS
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
MARINE ENGINEERS
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
ECONOMISTS
PROFESSIONALS
EXECUTIVES
CLEANERS
ETC
WE HAVE PROVISION FOR GOOD ACCOMODATION WHERE EVER YOU FIND YOURSELF
AND OUR SALARIES RANGE FROM 30,000 USD TO 75,000USD PER MONTH.
A HOUSE AND AN OFFICIAL CAR WILL BE GIVEN TOO.
YOU DONT REQUIRE A COLLEGE DEGREE,
ANYONE CAN APPLY.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD CONTACT
:caltexoilandgasrecruitment@admin,in.th
:infocaltexoilandgas@gmail.com
CONTACT PERSON.BENJAMIN FITZGERALD E.