How To Become A Boiler Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a boiler operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Boiler operators are responsible for maintaining heating systems in the boiler, engine, and mechanical rooms. They operate, repair, maintain, and adjust boilers, turbines, and all related systems and equipment. Boiler operators work in industrial environments such as factories, power plants, warehouses, and in the equipment rooms of large buildings that run on boiler systems.

Some of the functions that they perform in this capacity include monitoring and maintaining boilers, inspecting fluids, repairing boiler machinery, replacing different boiler parts, recording daily readings, adjusting equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and reading blueprints. Essential skills required for the job include physical stamina, mental strength, math skills, problem solving, and communication. Boiler operators must have a high school diploma or GED to pursue this career. Employers are more likely to hire boiler operators who have previous experience either directly working with boilers or otherwise working in a boiler room environment. Some employers require formal boiler operation certification. There are several boiler certification options available, which require applicants to pay a fee and pass an exam.

The average hourly pay for this position is $27.80, which amounts to $53,387 annually. The career is projected to grow in the years to come and create new opportunities across the United States.

ScoreBoiler OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $49,782

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.7

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 7.95%

Black or African American 10.24%

Hispanic or Latino 16.83%

Unknown 4.62%

White 59.89%

Gender

female 4.30%

male 95.70%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress Level

7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a boiler operator

Explore boiler operator education requirements

Most common boiler operator degrees

High School Diploma

36.3 %

Associate

23.2 %

Bachelor's

19.5 %

Start to develop specific boiler operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Preventive Maintenance	5.86%
Air Compressors	5.16%
Boiler Room	5.15%
Chillers	4.87%
HVAC	3.98%

Complete relevant boiler operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New boiler operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a boiler operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real boiler operator resumes.

Gain additional boiler operator certifications

Boiler operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific boiler operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for boiler operators include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research boiler operator duties and responsibilities

Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
Experience in welding, brazing, soldering etc.
Crane operator and highly experience CDL driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
Analyze operating data to make sure the equipment run at optimal levels.

Prepare your boiler operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your boiler operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a boiler operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Boiler Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Boiler Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Boiler Operator resume.

Apply for boiler operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a boiler operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do boiler operators rate their job?