Boilermakers vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Boilermakers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
Median Salary
$73,340
$51,000
10-Year Job Growth
+5.9%
+8.2%
Training Length
4 years
6 months - 2 years
Typical Path
Boilermakers union apprenticeship; combines shop and field training
Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training
Salary difference: $22,340 (43.8%) in favor of Boilermakers
Who should choose Boilermakers?
Boilermakers may be the right fit if you're interested in construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries.
Typical path: Boilermakers union apprenticeship; combines shop and field training
Explore Boilermakers →Who should choose Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers may be the right fit if you're interested in use hand-welding, flame-cutting, and brazing equipment to weld or join metal components.
Typical path: Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training
Explore Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers →Frequently Asked Questions
Boilermakers earn more on average. The national median salary for boilermakers is $73,340, which is $22,340 more than welders, cutters, solderers & brazers ($51,000).
Boilermakers typically require 4 years of training (Boilermakers union apprenticeship; combines shop and field training). Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers typically require 6 months - 2 years (Trade school certificate or community college + AWS certification; on-the-job training).
Boilermakers have a projected 10-year growth of 5.9%, while welders, cutters, solderers & brazers have a projected growth of 8.2%. Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers have slightly better growth prospects.