Skilled Trades
Boilermaker
Heavy industry still runs on field execution.
AI Risk Score: 2/10
Score is our body/liability/scarcity rubric, calibrated against public AI-exposure research.
Data last reviewed: 2026-02-25
What you actually do
Build and repair boilers, closed vats, and large vessels in industrial facilities and energy sites.
Why AI does not easily replace it
Confined-space execution, welding precision, and safety compliance require skilled crews.
What it pays
$57,000 - $99,000
BLS OOH: Boilermakers (May 2024 pay)
Salary benchmark year: 2024
How to get in
Apprenticeship + welding certs + advanced safety training.
Estimated time to entry: ~48 months (path-dependent).
State-by-state training and licensing links
- Apprenticeship.gov: Registered apprenticeship job finder
- U.S. DOL: State apprenticeship agencies directory
Where demand is growing
Durable demand in maintenance-heavy industrial corridors.
Ready to explore?
Compare this career in the full directory, or run the exposure calculator against your current role.
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