Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace boilermakers?AI replacement risk 12% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$76,410
25th–75th pct. $64,760–$95,430
Top pay (est.)
$143,500
Top 10% $110,370
Pay in 5 years
$88,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$102,600est.
$88,300–$119,200
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
12%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
−1.8%
700 openings / yr

Will AI replace Boilermakers? AI replacement risk

12%
Very low
Ranked #52 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Boilermakers

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.9
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Repairing
3.2
Troubleshooting
3.2
Complex Problem Solving
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Equipment Selection
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.3
Mathematics
3.5
Administration and Management
3.4
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Building and Construction
3.3
Engineering and Technology
2.6
Design
2.6
Physics
2.5

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Near VisionControl PrecisionVisualizationOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityExtent Flexibility

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
32%
Some college
16%

Training before entry

None / short demo
21%
1–2 years
20%
1–3 months
18%
Up to 1 month
18%
4–10 years
2%

Related work experience

4–6 years
40%
None
20%
6–12 months
19%
3–6 months
17%
Over 10 years
1%
1–2 years
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.