Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who work with heavy-gauge steel to fabricate, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. They play a crucial role in power plants, refineries, manufacturing plants, and other facilities that require high-temperature and high-pressure systems. Boilermakers use specialized tools and equipment, such as welding machines, grinders, and torches, to carry out their work. They also read blueprints, cut and shape metal components, weld and join parts together, and conduct tests to ensure the integrity and functionality of the finished product. Boilermakers often work as part of a team, collaborating with other tradespeople, such as pipefitters, electricians, and engineers, to ensure the successful completion of projects.

Boilermakers may specialize in rigging and hoisting, preparation and layout, or welding. Depending on their specialty, their duties may include building and installing boilers, laying out plate or sheet steel and marking cuts, bends, and welds, fitting and welding metal sections together, maintaining and repairing boilers, directing crane operators during installation or repair of boilers, and reading and interpreting blueprints. Boilermakers may work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the nature of the project. Construction boilermakers, for example, may spend a significant amount of time at construction sites, while maintenance boilermakers may work in factories or other industrial settings.

To become a boilermaker, one usually needs to complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship program. During the apprenticeship, trainees learn the skills and knowledge needed to become a boilermaker, including blueprint reading, welding, and metal fabrication. Boilermakers may also need to obtain certification, depending on the state or province in which they work.