Construction · SOC 47-2011
Precision pressure vessel work inside confined, hazardous spaces is physically complex work AI cannot touch.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: The specialized physical nature of boilermaker work — confined spaces, custom vessel construction, high-stakes welds — means this trade faces minimal AI disruption for at least 15 years.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$63,380 median pay
$48,710 median pay
$50,970 median pay
$60,850 median pay
$62,700 median pay
$51,860 median pay
AI job-risk card
Boilermakers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Boilermakers is 15/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
15 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Harder to automate: Locating and assessing defects like leaks and weak spots, Inspecting tubes, valves, and auxiliary mechanisms, Welding and belling tube ends for leakproof joints, Positioning and aligning structural parts per blueprints.
Lean into Pressure vessel welding, Blueprint reading, Safety in confined spaces, Industrial inspection. Consider roles such as Pipefitter or Industrial maintenance mechanic or Welding inspector.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.