Boilermakers
Also known as: Assembler, Boiler Control Technician (Boiler Control Tech), Boiler Erector (+26 more)
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.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.
- Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.
- Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.
- 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.
- Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.
- Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
- 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.
- Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.
- Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
- Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
Common styles
Dependability, Attention to Detail, Cautiousness, Perseverance, Stress Tolerance
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Dependability (High importance: 4.71/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.67/5)
- Cautiousness (High importance: 4.59/5)
- Perseverance (High importance: 4.18/5)
- Stress Tolerance (High importance: 3.92/5)
Want to see how YOUR strengths align with this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.
Similar Careers to Explore
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
100.0% similar profile
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
100.0% similar profile
Tire Builders
100.0% similar profile
Agricultural Equipment Operators
99.9% similar profile
Pile Driver Operators
99.9% similar profile
Pipelayers
99.9% similar profile
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
99.9% similar profile
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
99.9% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your interests, motivations, and strengths to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (20 min) →