In 2002, the median hourly earnings of boilermakers were about $20.17. The middle 50 percent earned between $16.24 and $25.09. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.24, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.96. Apprentices generally start at about half of journey wages, with wages gradually increasing to the journey wage as progress is made in the apprenticeship.
About two-thirds of boilermakers belong to labor unions. The principal union is the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Other boilermakers are members of the International Association of Machinists, the United Automobile Workers, or the United Steelworkers of America.
Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products.
Boilers and other high-pressure vessels usually are made in sections, by casting each piece out of molten iron or steel. Manufacturers are increasingly automating this process to increase the quality of these vessels. Boiler sections are then welded together, often using automated orbital welding machines, which make more consistent welds than are possible by hand. Small boilers may be assembled in the manufacturing plant; larger boilers usually are assembled on site.
Following blueprints, boilermakers locate and mark reference points on the boiler foundation, using straightedges, squares, transits, and tape measures. Boilermakers attach rigging and signal crane operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections and other parts into place. They align sections, using plumb bobs, levels, wedges, and turnbuckles. Boilermakers use hammers, files, grinders, and cutting torches to remove irregular edges, so that edges fit properly. They then bolt or weld edges together. Boilermakers align and attach water tubes, stacks, valves, gauges, and other parts and test complete vessels for leaks or other defects. They also install refractory brick and other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes or pressure vessels. Usually, they assemble large vessels temporarily in a fabrication shop to ensure a proper fit before final assembly on the permanent site.
Because boilers last a long time—35 years or more—boilermakers regularly maintain them and update components, such as burners and boiler tubes, to increase efficiency. Boilermaker mechanics maintain and repair boilers and similar vessels. They inspect tubes, fittings, valves, controls, and auxiliary machinery and clean or supervise the cleaning of boilers using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents. They repair or replace defective parts, using hand and power tools, gas torches, and welding equipment, and may operate metalworking machinery to repair or make parts. They also dismantle leaky boilers, patch weak spots with metal stock, replace defective sections, and strengthen joints.
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Little or no growth in employment of boilermakers is expected through the year 2012, but many openings will be created by the need to replace experienced workers who leave this occupation; boilermakers tend to retire early, partly due to the physically demanding nature of the work. Because the number of persons seeking entry to the occupation is relatively low, some areas currently are experiencing a shortage of applicants for apprenticeship programs.
Growth may be limited by the trend toward repairing and retrofitting, rather than replacing, existing boilers; the use of small boilers, which require less onsite assembly; and automation of production technologies. However, demand for more boilermakers may stem from environmental upgrades required by Federal regulations such as the Clean Air Act.
Most industries that purchase boilers are sensitive to economic conditions. Therefore, during economic downturns, boilermakers in the construction industry may be laid off. However, because maintenance and repairs of boilers must continue even during economic downturns, boilermaker mechanics in manufacturing and other industries generally have stable employment.
Many boilermakers learn this trade through a formal apprenticeship. Others become boilermakers through a combination of trade or technical school training and employer-provided training. Apprenticeship programs usually consist of 4 years of on-the-job training, supplemented by a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction each year in subjects such as set-up and assembly rigging, welding of all types, blueprint reading, and layout. Experienced boilermakers often attend apprenticeship classes or seminars to learn about new equipment, procedures, and technology. When an apprenticeship becomes available, the local union publicizes the opportunity by notifying local vocational schools and high school vocational programs.
Some boilermakers advance to supervisory positions. Because of their broader training, apprentices usually have an advantage in promotion.
Workers in a number of other occupations assemble, install, or repair metal equipment or machines. These occupations include assemblers and fabricators; Machinists; industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers, except millwrights; millwrights; pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; sheet metal workers; tool-and-die makers; and welding, soldering, and brazing workers.
For further information regarding boilermaking apprenticeships or other training opportunities, contact local offices of the unions previously mentioned, local construction companies and boiler manufacturers, or the local office of your State employment service.
For information on apprenticeships and the boilermaking occupation, contact:
There are more than 500 occupations registered by the U.S. Department of Labor's National Apprenticeship system. For more information on the Labor Department's registered apprenticeship system and links to State apprenticeship programs, check their website: http://www.doleta.gov
Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products. Boilers and other high-pressure vessels usually are made in sections, by casting each piece out of molten iron or steel. Boiler sections are then welded together, often using automated orbital welding machines, which make more consistent welds than are possible by hand. Following blueprints, boilermakers locate and mark reference points on the boiler foundation, using straightedges, squares, transits, and tape measures.
Summary of: http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/const01.shtml
Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric power plants and to provide heat or power in buildings, factories, and ships. Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundreds of other products. Following blueprints, boilermakers locate and mark reference points on the boiler foundation for installing boilers and other vessels, using straightedges, squares, transits, and tape measures. Boilermaker mechanics maintain and repair boilers and similar vessels. They repair or replace defective parts, using hand and power tools, gas torches, and welding equipment, and may operate metalworking machinery to repair or make parts.
Summary of: http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/oohb0239.htm
Due to the limited number of apprenticeships available and relatively good wages, prospective boilermakers may face competition. Nature of the Work Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric power plants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Boilers and other high-pressure vessels are usually made in sections, by casting each piece out of molten iron or steel. Boilermakers attach rigging and signal crane operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections and other parts into place.
Summary of: http://guide.symplicity.com/resources/profession_article.php?id=236
Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Manufacturers are increasingly automating this process to increase the quality of these vessels. Boiler sections are then welded together, often using automated orbital welding machines, which make more consistent welds than are possible by hand. Boilermakers attach rigging and signal crane operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections and other parts into place. Experienced boilermakers often attend apprenticeship classes or seminars to learn about new equipment, procedures, and technology.
Summary of: http://w3.jobbank.ca/?snap=career_profiles&pg=1&id=284
Nature of the Work Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric power plants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships. Boilers and other high-pressure vessels usually are made in sections, by casting each piece out of molten iron or steel. Boiler sections are then welded together, often using automated orbital welding machines, which make more consistent welds than are possible by hand. Boilermakers attach rigging and signal crane operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections and other parts into place.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos221.txt
Boilers are generally huge cylindrical containers that must withstand serious pressure from liquids and gases stored within the vessel. Due to the size, they are made in sections out of iron or steel, casted together with a welding machine. They must also be skilled in using a range of hand and power tools, welding equipment and metalworking machines, such as drill presses, shears, brakes, rolls and flame cutters. Usually smaller boilers can be assembled in plants, but larger ones may have to be assembled on-site. Trade certification can be obtained either through an apprenticeship program or after several years of work experience.
Summary of: http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carid=1264
They are employed in boiler fabrication, manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, electric power generation and similar industrial establishments. Trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces. Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified boilermakers. Additional information Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience Red Seal trade certification allows for interprovincial mobility.
Summary of: http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/7262.shtml
However, another nearby rival college began calling Purdue students "boilermakers" as a put-down. They also called them blacksmiths, farmers, and hayseeds, among other things. However, Purdue students liked the name "boilermakers," as did the local paper. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100022
Nature of the Work Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Boilers and other high pressure vessels are usually made in sections by casting each piece out of molten iron or steel. They attach rigging and signal crane operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections and other parts into place. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most training authorities recommend a formal apprenticeship to learn this trade. However, a limited number of openings will arise from the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/80.htm
An apprenticeship is the fastest and most effective way to become a boiler maker. Boiler Maker Career Overview The typical workday of a boiler maker mechanic consists of constructing and maintaining large containers for liquids or gases. This process is being automated as well as many manufacturers use orbital welding machines. Finally, heat insulators like refractory brick are installed. Job and Employment Opportunities Forecasts predict few to no new jobs being created for boilermakers; however, there will be many openings.
Summary of: http://www.careeroverview.com/boiler-maker-careers.html