Occupation Summary

Boilermakers

O*NET 47-2011.00

Description:

Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.

Annual Wages:
$69,880.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 8.07%.
Education Level:
Less than a High School Diploma. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
  2. Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.
  3. Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
  4. Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts, such as safety valves or regulators, using torches, jacks, caulking hammers, power saws, threading dies, welding equipment, or metalworking machinery.
  5. Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.
  6. Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
  7. Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.
  8. Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.
  9. Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
  10. Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.
  11. Shape seams, joints, or irregular edges of pressure vessel sections or structural parts to attain specified fit of parts, using cutting torches, hammers, files, or metalworking machines.
  12. Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.
  13. Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.
  14. Shape or fabricate parts, such as stacks, uptakes, or chutes, to adapt pressure vessels, heat exchangers, or piping to premises, using heavy-metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, or drill presses.
  15. Clean pressure vessel equipment, using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents.
  16. Install refractory bricks or other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes of pressure vessels.
  17. Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.

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National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Boilermakers employed Annual Growth Rate
Building equipment contractors 21 -1.09
Utility system construction 18.4 0.39
Nonresidential building construction 16.2 -1.46
Other specialty trade contractors 7.4 0.00
Commercial machinery repair and maintenance 5.2 -1.53
Building foundation and exterior contractors 4.1 0.00
Building finishing contractors 2.9 0.00
Ship and boat building 2.7 0.00


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $33.60
2024 National average hourly wage $36.97
2022 National employment 13,700
2022 Texas employment 2,578
Texas projected employment by 2032 2,786
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 245




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
81.80%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
81.80%
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
77.40%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
76.40%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
76.40%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
62.20%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
60.20%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
58.60%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
58.00%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
57.60%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
75.00%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
72.40%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
70.00%
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
67.60%
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
67.60%
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
65.00%
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
65.00%
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
62.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
62.40%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
77.60%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
77.60%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
77.60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
75.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
72.40%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
70.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
67.60%


  • Controlling Machines and Processes
    -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Handling and Moving Objects
    -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Performing General Physical Activities
    -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
    -- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Other Activities


  • Relationships
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable crescent wrenches;

Air compressors: Air compressors;

Air manifolds: Air manifolds;

Air samplers or collectors: Atmospheric testing equipment;

Ball peen hammer: Ball peen hammers;

Below the hook device: Beam clamps; Spreader beams;

Bench vises: Bench vises;

Bevels: Sliding t-bevels;

Blocks or pulleys: Chain pulleys; Block and tackle equipment;

Blow torch: Acetylene torches; Cutting torches; Pre-heating torches; Oxygen lances;

Bolt cutters: Bolt cutters;

Box end wrenches: Box end wrenches;

C clamps: Ground clamps; C clamps;

Calipers: Calipers; Vernier calipers;

Caulking guns: Caulking guns;

Chalk lines: Chalk lines;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Cold chisels: Metal-cutting chisels; Serrating tools; Splitting chisels;

Combination wrenches: Combination wrenches;

Compasses: Dividers; Compasses; Trammel points;

Demolition hammers: Chipping hammers;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Drill gauge: Drill point gauges;

Drill press or radial drill: Punch presses; Drill presses;

Drive pins: Bull pins;

Ear plugs: Ear plugs;

Electrode holder: Electrode holders;

End cut pliers: End cutting pliers; Side cutting pliers;

Fans: Ventilation fans;

Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers;

Fire retardant apparel: Fire retardant coveralls;

Flashback arrestor: Flashback arrestors;

Forklifts: Forklifts;

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus: Electrode ovens; Welding adaptors;

Girder trolleys: Beam trolleys;

Goggles: Safety goggles;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammers: Non-sparking hammers; Lead hammers; Soft face hammers;

Hand clamps: Bar clamps;

Hand reamer: Tube wall reducing tools;

Hand sprayers: Catalyst dispensers;

Hard hats: Hard hats;

Hex keys: Allen wrenches;

Hoists: Utility hoists; Chain falls; Chain hoists; Overhead hoists; Pneumatic hoists;

Hydraulic truck cranes: Hydraulic boom trucks;

Inspection mirror: Inspection mirrors;

Jacks: Screw jacks; Hydraulic jacks; Steamboat ratchet jacks;

Laboratory heaters: Heat lamps;

Ladders: Ladders;

Lasers: Digital lasers;

Level sensors or transmitters: Transit levels;

Levels: Laser levels; Digital levels; Engineers' levels; Water levels; Spirit levels;

Lighters: Friction lighters;

Loading equipment: Plate clamps; Swivel hoist rings; Wire rope pullers;

Locking pliers: Channel lock pliers; Vise grip pliers;

Longnose pliers: Longnose pliers;

Manlift or personnel lift: Swing stages;

Manual press brake: Brakes;

Masks or accessories: Dust masks;

Metal inert gas welding machine: Metal inert gas MIG welders;

Metal markers or holders: Contour markers;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Milling machines: Tube milling machines; Milling machines;

Multi gas monitors: Atmospheric monitoring devices;

Nibblers: Nibblers;

Open end wrenches: Open end wrenches;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Pipe or tube cutter: Pipe and tubing cutters;

Pipe vises: Pipe vises;

Pipe wrenches: Adjustable pipe wrenches;

Plasma arc welding machine: Plasma arc welding equipment;

Platform lift: Staging equipment;

Plumb bobs: Plumb bobs;

Pneumatic drill: Pneumatic drills;

Pneumatic grinders: Air grinders; Beveling machines;

Pneumatic hammer: Air hammers;

Pneumatic impact wrenches: Pneumatic impact wrenches;

Pneumatic sanding machines: Sandblasters; Air scalers;

Power buffers: Buffing tools;

Power flaring tool: Flaring tools;

Power grinders: Power grinders;

Power saws: Circular saws; Cutoff saws; Power saws; Reciprocating saws; Jig saws;

Pressure indicators: Needle pressure gauges; Hydrostatic testers;

Protective coveralls: Leather protective clothing;

Protective gloves: Protective gloves;

Protractors: Protractors;

Pry bars: Pry bars;

Pullers: Hydraulic stub pullers;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Tube drifts; Pin punches; Blacksmiths' punches; Drift pins; Center punches;

Putty knives: Putty knives;

Resin guns: Resin spray guns;

Respiration air supplying self contained breathing apparatus or accessories: Self-contained breathing apparatus;

Respirators: Full-face respirators; Half-face respirators; Respiratory protection equipment;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses; Filtered lenses; Clear lenses;

Safety harnesses or belts: Full body harnesses;

Saws: Hand saws;

Scaffolding: Scaffolding;

Scales: Scale rules;

Scissor lift or lift table: Scissor lifts;

Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers;

Scribers: Scribers;

Shackle: Shackles;

Shears: Shears;

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine: Shielded arc welding tools; Air carbon arc cutting equipment;

Single gas monitors: Oxygen concentration meters; Carbon dioxide CO2 meters;

Sledge hammer: Sledgehammers;

Slings: Slings;

Slip or groove joint pliers: Slip joint pliers;

Socket sets: Socket wrench sets;

Specialty wrenches: Chain wrenches; Hammer wrenches; Spud wrenches;

Spot welding machine: Portable welding machines;

Squares: Squares; Framing squares; Combination squares;

Straight edges: Straightedges;

Strap wrenches: Strap wrenches;

Tape measures: Measuring tapes;

Telescoping boom lift: Telescoping lifts;

Telescoping gauge: Telescoping gauges;

Temperature indicating stick: Temperature sticks;

Threading taps: Tap sets;

Tinners snips: Metal-cutting snips;

Torque wrenches: Torque wrenches;

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe: Bench lathes;

Tube end finisher: Tube end facers;

Tube wrenches: Tube pullers;

Tungsten inert gas welding machine: Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Utility knives: Utility knives;

Wedges: Wedges;

Welding electrode: Stick electrodes;

Welding generator: Welding distribution panels;

Welding masks: Welding shields;

Welding or brazing tip cleaner file: Welding tip cleaning files;

Welding or cutting tip: Welding tips;

Welding regulator oxygen: Welding oxygen regulators;

Welding robots: Computer-controlled welding equipment;

Wire brushes: Wire brushes;

Workshop cranes: Hydraulic cranes; Workshop cranes;

X ray radiography examination equipment: X ray inspection equipment;


Technology

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD; Computer aided design CAD software;

Computer based training software: Health and safety training software;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Boilermakers include:
  • 51-2011.00 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
  • 51-2031.00 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  • 47-3015.00 Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • 49-9044.00 Millwrights
  • 47-2152.00 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • 47-2211.00 Sheet Metal Workers
  • 47-2221.00 Structural Iron and Steel Workers
  • 51-2041.00 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
  • 51-4121.00 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  • 51-4122.00 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders


Sources of Additional Information
  • For information about apprenticeships or job opportunities as a boilermaker, contact local boiler construction contractors; a local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers; a local joint union–management apprenticeship committee; or the nearest office of your state employment service or apprenticeship agency. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online, or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
  • For more information about apprenticeship and training, visit: Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program
  • International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
  • For more information about certification, visit: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • For information about welding certification, visit: American Welding Society
  • For information about opportunities for former military service members, visit: Helmet to Hardhats
  • Boilermakers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.