Boilermaker Salary in 2026
Assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers and other large vessels.
Median Salary
$76,410
$6,368/mo
Entry Level
$53,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,900
experienced
Job Growth
+1%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Boilermakers (SOC 47-2011) at a national median of $76,410 per year (mean $80,090), or $36.74 per hour, with 10,190 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Boilermaker Overview
Assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers and other large vessels.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4+ years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
10K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$36.74/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,368
Boilermaker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Boilermaker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Boilermaker Salary
$84,000
$7,000/month · $3,231/biweekly · $40.38/hr
Boilermaker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Boilermaker field.
Entry-level Boilermakers earn around $53,900, while the top 10% earn $106,750 or more.
Top Paying States for Boilermakers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $90,000 | +$13,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,000 | $-410 |
| Texas | $75,000 | $-1,410 |
| Ohio | $73,000 | $-3,410 |
| Louisiana | $70,000 | $-6,410 |
Top Paying Cities for Boilermakers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $86,000 | +$9,590 |
| Houston | $76,000 | $-410 |
| New Orleans | $73,000 | $-3,410 |
| Pittsburgh | $73,000 | $-3,410 |
| Cleveland | $71,000 | $-5,410 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Boilermaker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Boilermaker from entry level to expert.
$53,900
0-2 years
$76,000
3-7 years
$98,900
8-14 years
$114,600
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Boilermaker Salary FAQ
How much does a Boilermaker make in 2026?
The median salary for a Boilermaker in the United States is $76,410 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Boilermakers (SOC 47-2011); the mean is $80,090. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $53,900, senior professionals around $98,900, and top earners at $114,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Boilermaker?
A Boilermaker typically requires a Apprenticeship with 4+ years of experience. Key skills include Welding, Blueprint Reading, Boiler Installation. Relevant certifications such as Welding Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Boilermakers?
The job market for Boilermakers is projected to grow by 1% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 10K Boilermaker positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Boilermakers the most?
The highest-paying states for Boilermakers include Texas, Louisiana, Ohio. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $75,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Boilermaker salary?
To increase your Boilermaker salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Welding and Blueprint Reading. Pursue certifications such as Welding Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 4+ years of experience, you can progress from $53,900 to $98,900 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Boilermaker Salary
How we calculate Boilermaker salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Boilermakers (SOC 47-2011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $76,410, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Boilermakers; BLS mean $80,090; BLS hourly median $36.74.
- Entry-level ($53,900) and senior-level ($98,900) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +1% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 10,190 Boilermakers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $76,410; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Boilermaker compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Boilermaker job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Boilermaker salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Welding, Blueprint Reading, Boiler Installation), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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