BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasBoilermakers

O*NET · 47-2011.00

Boilermakers

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.

Also called Assembler · Boiler Control Tech · Boiler Control Technician (Boiler Control Tech) · Boiler Erector · Boiler Fitter · Boiler Installer · Boiler Maker · Boiler Mechanic
25 more

Boiler Reliner · Boiler Repairman · Boiler Service Tech · Boiler Service Technician (Boiler Service Tech) · Boiler Setter · Boiler Shop Mechanic · Boiler Tech · Boiler Technician (Boiler Tech) · Boiler Tester · Boiler Welder · Boilerhouse Mechanic · Boilermaker · Boilermaker Fitter · Boilermaker Journeyman · Boilermaker Mechanic · Boilermaker Pipe Fitter · Boilermaker Welder · Erector · Fitter · Industrial Boiler Service Tech · Industrial Boiler Service Technician (Industrial Boiler Service Tech) · Industrial Boilermaker · Industrial Field Service Boilermaker · Locomotive Boilermaker · Pressure Tester

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.72
  • I Investigative2.31
  • A Artistic1.00
  • S Social1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent52%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate32%
  • Some College Courses16%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (22%)
On-the-job training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (38%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Equipment Maintenance3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Repairing3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Equipment Selection3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Operations Analysis2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Writingbasic2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Installation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Sciencebasic1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Material Resources1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.6
  • Technology Design1.60.6
  • Programming1.1—

Tasks

16 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.4.1
  2. Conduct pressure tests on vessels, such as boilers.4.1
  3. Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired.3.9
  4. Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects.3.8
  5. Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.3.7
  6. 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.3.7
  7. Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates on boiler foundations, following blueprints and using straightedges, squares, transits, or measuring instruments.3.7
  8. Shape or fabricate parts, such as stacks, uptakes, or chutes, to adapt pressure vessels, heat exchangers, or piping to premises, using heavy-metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, or drill presses.3.6
  9. 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.3.5
  10. Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.3.5
  11. Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.3.5
  12. Clean pressure vessel equipment, using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents.3.5
Show the other 6
  1. Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment.3.4
  2. Straighten or reshape bent pressure vessel plates or structure parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches.3.4
  3. Shape seams, joints, or irregular edges of pressure vessel sections or structural parts to attain specified fit of parts, using cutting torches, hammers, files, or metalworking machines.3.4
  4. Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube boilers, using hand tools.3.3
  5. Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.3.9
  6. Install refractory bricks or other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes of pressure vessels.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.32.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Mathematics3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Building and Construction2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Computers and Electronics2.63.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Design2.52.6
  • Engineering and Technology2.52.7
Show all 33
  • Physics2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.6
  • Production and Processing2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administrative2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Education and Training2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Transportation2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Public Safety and Security1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.6—
  • Psychology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Telecommunications1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign Language1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Geography1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • History and Archeology1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Law and Government1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Communications and Media1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Deductive Reasoning3.93.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Depth Perception2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Rate Control2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Speech Recognition2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Stamina2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Response Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Time Sharing2.83.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speed of Closure2.42.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Spatial Orientation2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Glare Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Peripheral Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Night Vision1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Getting Information3.92.7
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.72.8
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.75.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Processing Information3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Working with Computers3.22.5Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.02.6
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.02.8
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.82.9
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.6
  • Thinking Creatively2.72.8
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Training and Teaching Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Developing and Building Teams2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.3
  • E-Mail4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.2

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (1)
  • Health and safety training software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  2. Millwrights
  3. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  4. Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  5. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  6. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
  7. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
  8. Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
  9. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
  10. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.