Occupation Details
Boilermakers
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
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.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$53,190.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$81,270.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$97,000.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
620
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
670
+5 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
62
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Earn While You Learn: Discover hands-on training opportunities that combine paid work experience with classroom instruction for this career path.
AT JATC for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5
East Hartford, NY
Announcement
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 will conduct a recruitment from May 21, 2025 through May 20, 2026 for five Boilermaker (Construction) apprentices. Please note, the five openings listed for Boilermaker apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions the New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley regions of the state.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Proof of age will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship. Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of a Boilermaker (Construction), which may include: Working an 8-hour day while continually on feet. Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 95 pounds for extended periods. Working in extended periods of extreme weather conditions and temperatures. Working in restricted or confined spaces. Working at heights of 20 feet or more on scaffolds or platforms. Working in ditches or trenches up to 20 feet deep. Working in nuclear facilities. Working in hazardous conditions. Must have reliable transportation to and from remote worksites and required classes at the approved school. Must pass a drug and alcohol test, at the expense of the sponsor, within 48 hours of signing the apprenticeship agreement.
How to Apply
Applications can be obtained and completed on-line anytime during the recruitment period at www.boilermakersapprenticeship.com All applications must be received no later than May 20, 2026.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact JATC for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 at (516) 326-2500. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers).
Program Dates
Contact Information
East Hartford, NY 06108
AT Boilermakers NE JAC Local Lodge #5- Zone 7 (Orchard Park)
Floral Park, NY
Announcement
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Boilermakers Northeastern, Local Union #5, Zone #7, will conduct a recruitment from November 26, 2025 through November 25, 2026 for three Boilermaker (Construction) apprentices. Please note that the three openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Western regions of the state. Applications are only available online, all day and all hours at www.boilermakersapprenticeship.com during the recruitment period, and applications can be submitted on-line up until November 25, 2026.
Requirements
The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Proof of age will be required after selection and at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required when the applicant is presented with a bona fide offer or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship. Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to do the work of a Boilermaker (Construction), which may include: Working eight-hours continually on feet. Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 95 pounds for extended periods. Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Working in restrictive and confined spaces. Working at heights of 20 feet on a scaffold or platform. Working in ditches or trenches up to 20 feet in depth. Working in the nuclear facilities and hazardous conditions. Must pass a drug/alcohol test, at the expense of the sponsor, within 48 hours of signing the apprenticeship agreement. Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and required classes at the approved school.
Additional Information
For further information, applicants should contact Boilermakers Northeast JATC, Local Union #5, Zone #7 at (716) 667-0861. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center. Local Lodge No. 5, Zone 5 Headquartered in Floral Park NY, Local Lodge No. 5 was established as a Field Construction Lodge. Under the leadership of current Business Manager Tom Klein, Local Lodge No. 5 is comprised of three separate jurisdictional Zones: Local Lodge No. 5, Zone 5 Floral Park, NY Local Lodge No. 5, Zone 175 Oswego, NY Local Lodge No. 5, Zone 197 Albany, NY Together, Local Lodge No. 5 boosts a membership of diverse and highly skilled individuals that are regularly dispatched throughout Eastern and Central New York.The Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 5 Jurisdiction is composed of three zones in New York State. Zone 5, New York City, comprises all five Boroughs & the counties of Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.
Program Dates
Contact Information
Floral Park, NY 11001
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable crescent wrenches
- Adjustable pipe wrenches
- Air carbon arc cutting equipment
- Air compressors
- Air grinders
- Air hammers
- Air manifolds
- Air scalers
- Allen wrenches
- Atmospheric monitoring devices
- Atmospheric testing equipment
- Ball peen hammers
- Bar clamps
- Beam clamps
- Beam trolleys
- Bench lathes
- Bench vises
- Beveling machines
- Blacksmiths' punches
- Block and tackle equipment
- Bolt cutters
- Box end wrenches
- Brakes
- Buffing tools
- Bull pins
- C clamps
- Calipers
- Carbon dioxide CO2 meters
- Catalyst dispensers
Technology
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Health and safety training software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- install generating plant equipment
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
- measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read technical drawings
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- recognize characteristics of metals
- identify base metals for welding
- recognize characteristics of alloys
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use combination welding procedures
- signal directions or warnings to coworkers
- pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- overhaul power-generating equipment or machinery
- repair or adjust measuring or control devices
- repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- make independent judgment in assembly procedures
- determine project methods and procedures
- apply cleaning solvents
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- lay or install brick, block, stone, tile, or related masonry material
- move or fit heavy objects
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- cut metal or plastic
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use pressure gauges
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
- use turnbuckle in structural repair or assembly work
- use arc welding equipment
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.
- Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
- 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.
- Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.
- Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.
- Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.
- Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
- Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.
- 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.
- Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.
- 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.
- Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
- 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.
- Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
- Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.
- Install refractory bricks or other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes of pressure vessels.
- Clean pressure vessel equipment, using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Boilermakers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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