boilermaker job description

Specific tasks for boilermakers differ based on the industry they work in, but standard duties include: interpreting design plans and choosing materials: as a boilermaker, you read blueprints and interpret design plans to understand what the vessels or tanks should look like. With knowledge of the tanks’ or boilers’ specifications and uses, you can choose suitable construction materials. For instance, when constructing heat exchangers, you identify metals with high heat transfer capabilities and ensure the metal can withstand high pressure. preparing and assembling metal structures: a boilermaker cleans and prepares metal stock for the assembly process by cutting them into designated portions or shapes. You use hand tools and metal cutting machines for precision cutting to achieve the desired shapes. If the metals require bending, you pound them with power tools or heat and bend metal pipes together. fitting and welding pieces together: when the metal structures are cut and bent to desired shapes and sizes, you assemble them to build the structure. You use measuring devices to determine the dimensions of metallic structures before fitting the pieces to create a vessel or tank. You use welding and bolting to assemble the pieces. purifying and polishing metallic structures: after welding the pieces together, you check the accuracy and durability of the welds to ensure they can withstand high temperatures and pressure. You also perform the final processing tasks like polishing, filing and purifying the tanks and vessels to prepare them for industrial use. Sometimes you soak them in an acidic solution for purification or smooth the welds to improve their appearance. installing metallic structures: you measure the equipment for installation and cut pipes to the correct lengths before installation. maintenance of tanks, vessels and metallic pipes: you perform maintenance tasks on metallic structures to ensure they function as expected. You repair and replace worn-out parts like valves or gauges in boilers to ensure they don't interfere with manufacturing. You are called to fix clogged or burst metal pipes for transporting fluids.

As a boilermaker, you work in diverse industries, and the work settings differ based on your duties. Some boilermakers work in the construction, manufacturing and sanitation industries. Sometimes, you work indoors in noisy and dusty conditions. Since you assemble and repair heavy metallic structures, you will likely work in confined spaces inside the boilers or vats. You also use power tools to build the metals, which is physically demanding. You work in all weather conditions during emergencies, including extreme heat and cold. Metallic structures can be immense, so you may work at a great height to fix or assemble the parts. The role involves considerable travelling since you install or repair vessels and tanks in different locations.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders , fabricators, plumbers , steel fixers and crane operators. You might also be working in close proximity to machine operators and factory managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, sheet metal workers, maintenance fitters , trade assistants and workshop managers .

Boilermakers work full-time schedules of up to 40 hours a week but have overtime work when a factory is closed for maintenance. You also work on equipment repairs that must be completed fast to minimise disruption of operations and meet production deadlines. When a company operates around the clock, you work on rotating shifts. That means you work early mornings or night shifts regularly. Some boilermakers work part-time or on short-term contracts and may have periods of unemployment between contracts.

Boilermakers are required to maintain and install electrical generation and manufacturing equipment. Hence, they are always in demand in various industries. When you are a boilermaker, you can specialise in some skills and become a welder or fabricator. Some boilermakers become workshop managers or specialise in maintenance roles like becoming maintenance technicians or maintenance engineers.

advantages of finding a boilermaker job through randstad

Finding your boilermaker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a boilermaker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what exactly does a boilermaker do?

You build and assemble heavy metallic structures for various industrial processes as a boilermaker. You construct vessels, tanks and boilers to house liquids and gases or heat fluids in high-pressure conditions. Your job involves designing the boiler structures, cutting the parts and welding them together. You also assist with installing, maintaining and repairing tanks and boilers.

how much does a boilermaker make in australia?

A boilermaker makes an average of $85,000 annually. The remuneration package fluctuates depending on your experience and skill level. When you are an apprentice, your starting salary is $75,000, but the amount increases gradually as your skills improve.

is a boilermaker the same as a welder?

Boilermakers and welders both use hand tools to perform their duties. However, boilermakers construct and maintain boilers and tanks, while welders only work on metal parts and don't build boilers or metallic structures.

is a boilermaker a hard job?

Being a boilermaker is a challenging job. It is physically demanding and exposes you to risks since you work in confined spaces or inside the boilers when repairing them.

what qualification is necessary for a boilermaker?

An administration officer earns an average salary of $60,000 per year. The remuneration package usually fluctuates depending on the experience level and qualifications. Entry-level administration officers receive a salary of $55,000 per year.

how do I apply for a boilermaker vacancy?

Applying for a boilermaker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our boilermaker job offers . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

Working as a boilermaker| Randstad Australia

what is a boilermaker?

As a boilermaker, you assemble or create tanks, furnaces and heavy metallic structures. You fabricate metal and install tanks and heat exchangers for industrial functions. You also test their functionality to ensure they achieve the desired standards. As a boilermaker, you could be responsible for fabricating tanks like those used in a hydroelectric power station. You also manage issues related to boilers and large metallic structures used for heating fluids or circulating heat through a building.

Boilermakers work in various industries that rely on heating and cooling processes or the storage of materials in metallic structures. Hence, boilermakers are often employed in chemical plants, oil refineries, mining companies and the iron and steel industries. Factories, ships and buildings use tanks and vats to store large products and volumes of materials or to manufacture chemicals. As a boilermaker, you construct the vessels and install heat-resistant materials in tanks and vats. You also perform maintenance duties like ensuring the pipes used in dams to transport water function properly.

As a boilermaker, you use hand and power tools to cut pieces for boilers and shape them during assembly. You also rely on metalworking machinery to prepare the edges before fitting the parts together using bolts and welders.

boilermaker jobs

1

average boilermaker salary

A boilermaker takes home an average income of $85,000 per year. The remuneration package usually matches your expertise, experience and industry. For instance, an apprentice is likely to earn a lower salary of $75,000 annually. Still, they make more as they acquire additional skills and expertise. Skilled boilermakers can take home a package of $95,000 per year.

In companies that pay hourly salaries, the rates range from $40 to $55 based on the level of expertise. Boilermakers can increase their earnings by working overtime for higher hourly rates.

how to increase the salary of a boilermaker

Apprentices take home lower salaries compared to skilled boilermakers. Having additional years of experience also improves your expertise and salary prospects. While educational qualifications are not mandatory, having some certifications to showcase your skills improves your salary prospects.

Some industries pay higher salaries due to the complexity of tasks. For instance, working in oil refineries and hydroelectric power stations, you are likely to earn more due to the risks and job complexities. Working in iron and steel factories is expected to pay less since you perform basic welding and fabrication tasks.

Want to know what you will earn as a boilermaker? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

boilermaker salary

2

types of boilermakers

Some of the types of boilermakers include:

journeyman boilermaker: someone who has successfully completed an apprenticeship program and has minimal experience in the role. They offer support to skilled boilermakers as they learn the trade.
master boilermaker: you work without supervision since you are in charge of the boiler-making process. You also supervise other workers to ensure the boilers and tanks are created according to specifications.

3

working as a boilermaker

Working as a boilermaker allows you to contribute to industries that provide essential services to humanity. For instance, you work in water treatment plants, oil refineries and hydroelectric power generation plants. Let's explore the duties, work environment and job prospects for boilermakers.

boilermaker job description
Specific tasks for boilermakers differ based on the industry they work in, but standard duties include:
- interpreting design plans and choosing materials: as a boilermaker, you read blueprints and interpret design plans to understand what the vessels or tanks should look like. With knowledge of the tanks’ or boilers’ specifications and uses, you can choose suitable construction materials. For instance, when constructing heat exchangers, you identify metals with high heat transfer capabilities and ensure the metal can withstand high pressure.
- preparing and assembling metal structures: a boilermaker cleans and prepares metal stock for the assembly process by cutting them into designated portions or shapes. You use hand tools and metal cutting machines for precision cutting to achieve the desired shapes. If the metals require bending, you pound them with power tools or heat and bend metal pipes together.
- fitting and welding pieces together: when the metal structures are cut and bent to desired shapes and sizes, you assemble them to build the structure. You use measuring devices to determine the dimensions of metallic structures before fitting the pieces to create a vessel or tank. You use welding and bolting to assemble the pieces.
- purifying and polishing metallic structures: after welding the pieces together, you check the accuracy and durability of the welds to ensure they can withstand high temperatures and pressure. You also perform the final processing tasks like polishing, filing and purifying the tanks and vessels to prepare them for industrial use. Sometimes you soak them in an acidic solution for purification or smooth the welds to improve their appearance.
- installing metallic structures: you measure the equipment for installation and cut pipes to the correct lengths before installation.
- maintenance of tanks, vessels and metallic pipes: you perform maintenance tasks on metallic structures to ensure they function as expected. You repair and replace worn-out parts like valves or gauges in boilers to ensure they don't interfere with manufacturing. You are called to fix clogged or burst metal pipes for transporting fluids.
work environment

As a boilermaker, you work in diverse industries, and the work settings differ based on your duties. Some boilermakers work in the construction, manufacturing and sanitation industries. Sometimes, you work indoors in noisy and dusty conditions. Since you assemble and repair heavy metallic structures, you will likely work in confined spaces inside the boilers or vats. You also use power tools to build the metals, which is physically demanding. You work in all weather conditions during emergencies, including extreme heat and cold. Metallic structures can be immense, so you may work at a great height to fix or assemble the parts. The role involves considerable travelling since you install or repair vessels and tanks in different locations.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders, fabricators, plumbers, steel fixers and crane operators. You might also be working in close proximity to machine operators and factory managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, sheet metal workers, maintenance fitters, trade assistants and workshop managers.
work schedule

Boilermakers work full-time schedules of up to 40 hours a week but have overtime work when a factory is closed for maintenance. You also work on equipment repairs that must be completed fast to minimise disruption of operations and meet production deadlines. When a company operates around the clock, you work on rotating shifts. That means you work early mornings or night shifts regularly. Some boilermakers work part-time or on short-term contracts and may have periods of unemployment between contracts.
job outlook

Boilermakers are required to maintain and install electrical generation and manufacturing equipment. Hence, they are always in demand in various industries. When you are a boilermaker, you can specialise in some skills and become a welder or fabricator. Some boilermakers become workshop managers or specialise in maintenance roles like becoming maintenance technicians or maintenance engineers.
advantages of finding a boilermaker job through randstad
Finding your boilermaker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a boilermaker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Most boilermakers join the industry through apprenticeship programmes, learning about tools, metals and processes. With extensive coursework and on-the-job training, boilermaker apprenticeships take three to four years. You should be 18 years old with a high school certificate to join the apprenticeship programme. You should complete a Certificate III in engineering and fabrication trade through the apprenticeship, and you can then seek employment as a journeyman boilermaker.

Aside from gaining practical skills and knowledge, ensure you have the right licences to work. For instance, you require a White Card to work in construction.

skills and competencies

You should supplement your formal qualifications with the following skills for success:

dexterity: you perform multiple tasks and must switch between them swiftly and efficiently. Manual dexterity and coordination help you switch tasks at short notice with minimal disruption to workflow.
attention to detail: you should follow instructions precisely and close attention to your surroundings. Your attentiveness to detail helps you install tanks and metallic structures correctly. Good observational skills are also helpful for identifying issues before they become major problems.
problem-solving skills: your job involves repairing heavy metallic structures and equipment. You rely on problem-solving skills to detect problems and find creative solutions to minimise disruptions.
mechanical skills: you need to build and repair tanks, vessels and boilers. You work with various machinery during the cutting, welding and installation processes. It is crucial to understand how the machines operate and make necessary adjustments.

5

FAQs about working as a boilermaker

Here are the most asked questions about working as a boilermaker:

what exactly does a boilermaker do?

You build and assemble heavy metallic structures for various industrial processes as a boilermaker. You construct vessels, tanks and boilers to house liquids and gases or heat fluids in high-pressure conditions. Your job involves designing the boiler structures, cutting the parts and welding them together. You also assist with installing, maintaining and repairing tanks and boilers.
how much does a boilermaker make in australia?

A boilermaker makes an average of $85,000 annually. The remuneration package fluctuates depending on your experience and skill level. When you are an apprentice, your starting salary is $75,000, but the amount increases gradually as your skills improve.
is a boilermaker the same as a welder?

Boilermakers and welders both use hand tools to perform their duties. However, boilermakers construct and maintain boilers and tanks, while welders only work on metal parts and don't build boilers or metallic structures.
is a boilermaker a hard job?

Being a boilermaker is a challenging job. It is physically demanding and exposes you to risks since you work in confined spaces or inside the boilers when repairing them.
what qualification is necessary for a boilermaker?

An administration officer earns an average salary of $60,000 per year. The remuneration package usually fluctuates depending on the experience level and qualifications. Entry-level administration officers receive a salary of $55,000 per year.
how do I apply for a boilermaker vacancy?

Applying for a boilermaker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our boilermaker job offers.

Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

boilermaker.