What does a Boilermaker do?

Boilermakers craft boilers for factories, ships, power plants and commercial buildings. They build and maintain boilers, which are necessary for generating power and heat, and closed vats used to store raw materials, including chemicals, oil and products.

Boilermakers ensure industrial and commercial facilities remain up and running. Hiring a Boilermaker for your construction or HVAC company may help you provide installation and maintenance services to customers and potentially grow your business.

Boilermaker skills and qualifications

Establishing Boilermaker job requirements in your job description can help you assess candidates objectively. Here are some skills and qualifications to consider:

• Analytical and spatial reasoning skills to interpret blueprints and conduct accurate measurements

• Ability to work in confined spaces and high places to move heavy equipment

• Extensive knowledge of boiler design and the properties of the metals, such as copper, iron and steel, used to produce them

• Understanding of relevant workplace health and safety regulations, including personal protective equipment (PPE), such as harnesses and face shields

• Familiarity with hand tools, welding equipment, cutting tools, cranes, measuring tools, pipe bevelers, torque wrenches, rolling motors, hydraulic cylinders and other tools and equipment

• Observation and problem-solving skills to diagnose and address issues with boilers and vats

• Attentiveness and writing skills to maintain accurate, concise service records

• Time management skills to meet strict deadlines when carrying out installation, maintenance and repair work

Boilermaker experience requirements

Boilermakers typically begin as Apprentices, working under the supervision of more experienced Boiler Installers. After completing their apprenticeship, they become Boilermaker Journeymen and can independently perform simple installation, maintenance and repair projects. Master Boilermakers typically handle the most complex work and serve as Supervisors for Apprentice and Journeyman Boilermakers.

When determining what experience to require in your Boilermaker job description, consider the current makeup of your team, the types of projects your new hire may complete and how much supervision and support you plan to provide.

Boilermaker education and training requirements

Generally, a Boilermaker apprenticeship is the minimum training required to become a Boilermaker. Most apprenticeships are through the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helper (IBB)’s Boilermaker National Apprenticeship Program and last for two to four years.

Some states may require Boilermakers to obtain a license before working independently. Review the licensing requirements in your area before writing your job description of a Boilermaker so you can include a valid license in the skills and qualifications section.

You may also wish to add relevant certifications to your Boilermaker job requirements. Boilermakers can pursue professional Boilermaker certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and various welding certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS).

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Boilermaker job requirements, duties and responsibilities discussed above don’t match your open position, one of these alternative job titles may be a better fit:

• Fabricator

• Millwright

• Pipe Fitter

• Welder

Boilermaker job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Boilermaker and a Fabricator?

Boilermakers and Fabricators work with metals and use similar tools but perform different functions. A Boilermaker builds vats and boilers, while Fabricators assemble complex machinery, such as vehicles and household machinery.

What’s the difference between a Boilermaker and a Millwright?

Millwrights and Boilermakers install, repair and maintain different industrial equipment. Boilermakers focus on boilers, closed vats and other metal vessels that store gasses and liquids. Millwrights typically specialize in other industrial machinery, such as turbines, pumps, conveyors and food processing equipment.

What’s the difference between a Boilermaker and a Pipe Fitter?

Boilermakers and Pipe Fitters may service and repair the same systems, but they work on different components. A Boilermaker is responsible for the boiler or vat used for heating and cooling, power generation, storage and other purposes, while a Pipe Fitter is responsible for the piping systems that connect to these vessels.