BOILERMAKER
Builds, installs, and repairs boilers, pressure vessels, and other large industrial steel structures. Boomer trade — heavy travel for premium pay. Washington is not a right-to-work state — union density is higher than average and prevailing wage rules cover most public projects.
The License.
Most states issue a journeyman license (allows you to work under a licensed contractor) and a separate master or contractor license (allows you to pull permits and run your own business). The journeyman license typically requires completing your apprenticeship and passing a written exam; the master/contractor license requires additional field hours — usually 2 years as a journeyman — and a separate exam.
Requirements in Washington: confirm current hour and exam requirements directly with Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I). Rules update frequently and our data reflects published standards as of early 2025.
The Money.
Pay data for this trade in Washington. BLS metro-level data was not available for this combination. National medians shown below.
| Stage | Hourly range | Approx. annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 apprentice | $22–$30/hr | $44,000 – $60,000 |
| Journeyman scale | $40–$60/hr | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| BLS national median | — | $71,140 |
| BLS top 10% | — | $98,810 |
Washington is NOT a right-to-work state. Union scale in Washington's major metros typically runs 20–40% above the national median. Prevailing wage laws apply to most public-sector projects.
The Path.
Washington is a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) state — it administers its own apprenticeship programs separately from the federal RAPIDS system. Contact the state labor department directly or visit apprenticeship.gov and filter by state.
- · Boilermakers International
The Exam.
Industrial trade licensing in Washington often falls under boiler, pressure vessel, or contractor rules. Confirm the applicable exam provider and code edition with the relevant board. Prevailing wage requirements in Washington apply to most public-sector projects, which ties exam and licensure to wage scale compliance for contractors.
Be honest about pass rates. Many licensing boards do not publish them. When they do, first-time pass rates for journeyman exams in the trades typically run 50–75%. Preparation time varies — most serious candidates spend 60–120 hours on exam prep. Use code books from the correct edition, not what's currently in print.
What recruiters won't tell you.
- 01Heavy travel. Expect months on the road for major shutdowns.
- 02Confined space work is constant. Claustrophobia disqualifies you.
- 03BLS projects slight decline as coal plants retire — but power, refinery, and shipyard work continues.