In short
Boilermakers earned a median $76,410 a year in May 2025, about $37 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $50,490 and the top 10 percent over $110,370. Annual earnings depend heavily on how many outage and project weeks you work, since much of the trade travels from job to job.
Yearly wages for boilermakers across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| 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 moves boilermaker pay
- Weeks worked: outage seasons bring long shifts and overtime.
- Union scale: many boilermakers work under negotiated rates.
- Per diem: travel jobs often pay a daily allowance on top of wages.
- Welding certifications: pressure welding skills are in demand.
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Straight answers
How much do boilermakers make an hour?
The median works out to about $37 an hour.
Do boilermakers get per diem?
Many travel jobs include per diem; it varies by contract.
Is boilermaker pay steady?
It can swing with outage seasons and travel work.