Boilermakers
(NOC 7234)
in All Trades and TransportationBoilermakers build, test, maintain and repair boilers, vessels, tanks, towers, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures. They work for boiler manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, electric power generation, and similar industrial companies. Boilermakers may specialize in rigging and hoisting, preparation and layout, or welding aspects of the trade.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Boilermakers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 20% of Boilermakers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$34.17
Minimum$41.00
Median$45.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$38,429
Minimum$62,218
Median$100,885
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Boilermakers build, test, maintain and repair boilers, vessels, tanks, towers, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures. They work for boiler manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, electric power generation, and similar industrial companies. Boilermakers may specialize in rigging and hoisting, preparation and layout, or welding aspects of the trade.
Job duties
Boilermakers:
- Read blueprints or specifications to plan sequence of operation.
- Lay out plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal and mark bending and cutting lines on work piece using protractors, compasses and drawing instruments or templates.
- Set up and operate heavy metal working machines like brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters and drill presses to cut, shape and form metal into parts or sections.
- Fit and weld metal parts or sections together to build boilers, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, piping, and other heavy-metal products.
- Build and install boilers and other heavy-metal products according to specifications using hand and power tools.
- Repair and perform maintenance work on boilers and other heavy-metal products.
- Direct activities of hoist or crane operators and other workers during fabrication, assembly, installation, or repair of structures
- Test finished structures using a variety of methods.
Sample job titles
- boiler fitter
- boiler installer
- boiler repairer
- boiler shop mechanic
- boilermaker
- construction boilermaker
- industrial boilermaker
- industrial construction boilermaker
- maintenance boilermaker
Skills
This work requires a good mechanical skills. You must be resourceful and able to make decisions. Good form perception, physical strength, coordination, and agility are important.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A three- to four-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in boilermaking is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified boilermakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Advances in technology, new materials, higher-quality welds and welding material, and larger lifts and lifting capacity have created many changes in this group. The increased size and complexity of construction projects, often in remote areas, contributes to an increasingly competitive contractor environment and to a very mobile trade. Boilermakers are generally mobile and move to where there is employment. The work of a boilermaker is extremely hazardous, due to the possibility of exposure to materials and gases that could create health problems. Attention to safety and accident prevention is very important for this group. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Boilermaker is a designated trade in Nova Scotia and you must be certified to work in this profession. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Other services (except public administration)
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$58,965 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$76,586 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Boilermaking
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to fabricate and repair steam boiler components. They include courses in principles of steam power, material selection, welding, riveting, sealing materials, pressure testing, pipefitting, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Welding Technology/Welder
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. They include courses in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
Institutions providing this program
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.