Boilermaker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Boilermakers Make?
Boilermakers earn a median annual salary of $73,340 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $48,390 at the 10th percentile to $107,600 at the 90th percentile — a range of $59,210. The highest-paying state is South Carolina at $124,400.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,390 |
| 25th percentile | $62,230 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 |
| 75th percentile | $93,520 |
| 90th percentile | $107,600 |
Boilermaker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| South Carolinatop | $124,400 |
| Washington | $113,970 |
| California | $107,600 |
| Minnesota | $102,730 |
| Wisconsin | $97,410 |
| Illinois | $95,340 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,710 |
| Colorado | $86,980 |
| Connecticut | $85,480 |
| Indiana | $83,500 |
| Montana | $83,200 |
| New Jersey | $80,560 |
| Louisiana | $76,320 |
| Wyoming | $76,050 |
| Arizona | $75,770 |
| New York | $75,060 |
| Arkansas | $74,780 |
| Kentucky | $73,340 |
| Nevada | $73,220 |
| Idaho | $71,700 |
| New Hampshire | $70,530 |
| Iowa | $68,410 |
| Michigan | $66,440 |
| Texas | $64,190 |
| New Mexico | $63,480 |
| Nebraska | $63,310 |
| Georgia | $63,240 |
| Alabama | $63,220 |
| Missouri | $62,490 |
| West Virginia | $61,660 |
| Ohio | $61,520 |
| Maryland | $61,030 |
| Virginia | $60,440 |
| Florida | $53,690 |
| Tennessee | $49,810 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Boilermakers
Boilermaker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$48,390 – $62,230 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$73,340 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$93,520 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $107,600+ |
How to Earn More as a Boilermaker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Boilermakers in Washington earn $113,970 — $40,630 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($93,520) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Boilermaker Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Boilermakerthis career | $73,340 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter | $62,970 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $60,850 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,700 |
| Helpers--Electrician | $39,890 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 47-2011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.