Here is a view that is not meant to offend anyone or belittle either one of the two trades. I have done them both and have respect for all who perform as a professional.
Boilermakers very seldom weld in a jackstand. Pipefitters very seldom weld in a mirror.
Pipefitters very seldom wear a mask to prevent inhalation of heavy metals, dust etc. Boilermakers very seldom wear starched khaki shirts.
Boilermakers welds often meet the code but may not be nice to look at. Pipefitters welds usually look very good (see jackstand above)
Fitting pipe takes 1)technical skill and knowledge, some tools for precision alignment, and some strategically located tacks. Fitting for boilers takes comealongs, chainfalls, ropes twisted around tubes, wooden and steel wedges, and at least one "HURRY UP NAIL IT !"
PIpefitting requires the completed joint to be aligned and true when its done. Boilermaking requires it to be done.
Pipefitters and Boilermakers both have "Emergency Outages" . One involves alot of steam heat and money, the other may involve a breaker thrown at the house!
Many boilermaker tube welders love to weld pipe, few pipefitter welder like to weld tubes. Both may have a hard time doing the work of the other.
PIpefitters very seldom come across a task that involves an expander, mandrel, lipping tool, melted crisco dripping down your neck and a handheld motor with enough torque to break your arm.
Boilermakers very seldom come across a task that requires you to know that the tangent of an angle is the ratio of the rise to the run or that the pythagoream theorem can be explained with a 3,4,5 triangle.
Pipefitters make some of the best looking code quality Xrayed welds that can be had. Boilermakers weld in places that can often times only be inspected by feel.
Pipefitting is one of the best trades in the world, So is boilermaking :) .
They both require a great deal of knowledge and love for the work if you want to be good at them. One may be a little hotter, one may require more math, one may work all year, one may work seasonally, blah, blah, blah.
The boilermaking trade is going to encompass some skills related to pipefitting, ironworking, millwrights, tank building, flat plate layout and fabrication, the ability to read drawings, etc.
The pipefitting trade requires knowledge of valves, instrumentation, material estimating, flange boltup, the abilty to read drawings and often times make drawings, numerous material designations etc...
Both trades require very high degrees of welding skill. In my opinion, unmatched by few.
This is only my view, I am sure some more opinions will follow and those may very well be based on a greater amount of experience than I have. I like em both cause I GET TO WELD!
FAQs
Pipefitters is the one you want for welding pipe. I'm in the pipefitter's union, all I do is weld. You will also have to learn pipe fitting if you go in as an apprentice. Steamfitters work on steam piping, boilermakers work on boilers and tubes.
Do boilermakers make more than welders? ›
Income: Boilermakers typically earn a higher salary than welders. The average national salary for a boilermaker is $98,436, while the average national salary of a welder is $54,481.
Is boilermaker a dying trade? ›
Job Outlook
Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Is boiler making difficult? ›
Boiler making is a challenging yet rewarding career path. With the right skills, training, and experience, you can become a highly skilled and valued member of the mining industry.
Is boilermaking a good trade? ›
So, the boilermaker jobs are highly skilled, physically demanding, require quick decision making, and may involve working in hazardous environments. Due to the unique skill requirements of their trade, highly qualified boilermakers are always in demand all around Australia.
What trade is the highest paying? ›
According to the BLS, the highest-paid skilled trade professionals include construction managers and elevator and escalator installers. These professionals earn median salaries of $104,900 and $102,420 per year, respectively.
Is boilermaker in demand? ›
The demand for boilermakers in South Africa is high, thanks to the country's thriving mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Skilled boilermakers are sought after by various industries, including construction, oil and gas, power generation, and shipbuilding.
Is being a boilermaker stressful? ›
A Boilermaker's job is challenging. But it can also be dangerous. Boilermakers work in tight spaces, at heights and with toxic chemicals that require the use of respirators and other protective equipment.
Is boiler making worth it? ›
They are heavily sought after by employers because their skills are unique and not easily taught. If you want to follow a highly rewarding career that will allow you to stand out from other job seekers, an apprenticeship in boilermaking and welding may be the right pathway for you.
What is the difference between boilermaker and Ironworker? ›
Boilermaking focuses on the construction, installation, and maintenance of large containers used for storing and transporting liquids and gases. Ironworking focuses on the fabrication and installation of structural steel and other metal components in building construction.
The repair, construction, assembly and outfitting of boilers— were all in a day's work for a boilermaker. Responsible for fixing gaskets, installing, testing and inspecting boilers for safety, their work can often be dangerous and involve intensive labor.
Are boilers in demand? ›
The Global Boiler market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2023 and 2030. In 2022, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.
Is a boilermaker just a welder? ›
Boilermakers primarily use welding and cutting equipment, but can also utilize tools to fuse, separate, and shape metal plates, sections, and components. Boilermakers contribute to the building, repair or maintenance of structures, including blast furnaces, bridges, rocket boosters, elevators, dams, and locomotives.
What is the role of a pipefitter in a boilermaker? ›
Boilermaker Pipe Fitter Career
Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels.
What are boilermakers called? ›
Although the name originated from craftsmen who made boilers, boilermakers in fact assemble, maintain, and repair other large vessels and closed vats. The boilermaker trade evolved from industrial blacksmithing; in the early nineteenth century, a boilermaker was called a boilersmith.
