Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.

Boilermakers perform physically demanding and dangerous work. Many boilermakers must travel to worksites and live away from home for long periods.

Most boilermakers learn their trade through an apprenticeship program. Candidates are more likely to be accepted into training programs if they already have welding experience and certification.

Employment of boilermakers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Workers with welding experience and general mechanical aptitude will have the best job opportunities.

This occupation supported 18,000 jobs in 2012 and 17,400 jobs in 2014, reflecting a decline of 3.3%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 3.9% in 2022 to 18,700 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 18,100, compared with an observed value of 17,400, 3.9% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 8.9% in 2024 to 19,000 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 18,800 jobs for 2024, 1.1% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.