In short
Boilermaker apprenticeships typically last about four years, combining paid work with classes in welding, rigging, blueprint reading and safety. Most are run by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers with contractors. Boilermakers earned a median $76,410 in May 2025, per BLS. Much of the work comes in outage seasons, so expect travel and long shifts.
| Middle pay | $76,410 a year, roughly $36.74 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 10,200 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | Projected a decline of 1.8% |
| Openings a year | Around 700, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What you learn
- Code welding on pressure parts
- Rigging heavy components
- Reading drawings and layout
- Confined space and fall protection safety
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Straight answers
How long is a boilermaker apprenticeship?
About four years in many programs.
Do boilermakers travel?
Often, following plant shutdowns and outages.
Do I need welding experience to apply?
It helps but is not always required.