Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Boilermaker
What boilermakers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a boilermaker?
Outage safety briefing. From there, the day usually includes read blueprints, fit steel plate and tube, and weld. Long outage shifts and travel are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a boilermaker working full time.
- Outage safety briefing.
- Enter the boiler.
- Cut out failed tubes.
- Fit new tubes.
- Weld tube joints.
- Rig a header.
- End a 12-hour shift.
Where boilermakers work
Boilermakers work in plants, refineries and shipyards, often in confined spaces and at heights.
Hours and schedule
Long outage shifts and travel are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read blueprints
- Fit steel plate and tube
- Weld
- Rig heavy components
- Repair boilers
- Test pressure vessels
- Work outages
Tools you’ll use every day
- Welders
- Torches
- Rigging gear
- Hydraulic jacks
- Grinders
- Tube expanders
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Union benefits
- Overtime
- Skilled trade
What’s hard
- Travel
- Confined spaces
- Heat and heights
- Gaps between jobs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like heavy industry
- I can weld
- I don’t mind heights or tight spaces
- I can travel
- I want high pay
- I like teamwork
Not sure? Take the free Boilermaker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow confined space rules
- Use fall protection
- Wear welding PPE
- Rig safely