A boiler is a large-scale heating system that maintains an environment of constant temperature by providing hot water or steam for home or commercial use
Boiler engineers must be able to operate complex equipment safely while working on boilers ranging from 20 tons to 450 tons in size. To understand Boiler Mechanic training and Career information, read on.
About Boiler Mechanic
The work of a Boiler is physically demanding, as one must be able to lift heavy objects if one plans on doing repairs.
However, there are many opportunities for advancement within this field and with organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
Boiler mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing boilers, furnaces, and other heating and cooling systems. Boiler mechanics work in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, mining, utilities (including electrical), and healthcare facilities.
Boilers are complex mechanical devices that require careful maintenance to ensure they operate safely at all times.
Boiler engineers can expect to earn between $40K-$60K per year depending on their experience level, with wages going up the higher up you go within this field.
Suppose a problem arises during operation or maintenance. In that case, they must know the appropriate steps to take so that it doesn’t damage other equipment or cause further problems within your business.
Educational Requirements Of A Boiler Mechanic
Boiler engineers work in various settings, including power plants, oil refineries, and chemical plants. They also may work on industrial boilers (i.e., those used to heat or cool buildings). Some boiler mechanic jobs require that you have completed an apprenticeship program after high school or college; others do not.
Some boiler mechanic jobs require workers to get certified by their state boards before starting work; others don’t require certification at all. You should explore this option with each employer you apply to so that you know what kind of training will be required before starting your job search.
Experience And Training Requirements Of A Boiler Mechanic
A boiler mechanic should have a high school diploma certificate or equivalent and three years of experience in the field.
They must also have training in the field and knowledge about how to work with tools. Boiler engineers may need to travel long distances on their jobs, so they should be comfortable traveling by car or plane as well as by train or bus.
They must also follow safety procedures while working on boilers; if you don’t follow these rules, you could get hurt.
Read More: How To Become A Boiler Engineer: Education And Career...
Boiler Mechanic Certifications
To work as a boiler repairer, you must become certified. Several certifications are available for boiler mechanics, but the most popular one is ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
To get this certification, you must pass an exam by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This test includes questions about how all parts interact with one another and what happens when they fail or break down over time.
The process begins when an employer requests that a potential employee complete an application form online or through paper mail at the address listed on the application form; then, they must provide proof of identity and age before proceeding further into this process step by step.
Boiler Mechanic Salary
Boiler Mechanics can earn a salary of $40,000 to $100,000 per year. The United States is among the highest-paying countries in the world for this job field, but it’s not necessarily because you’ll get paid more here than anywhere else.
According to research from PayScale, Boiler Mechanics with at least five years’ experience make $87K annually on average, and those who have 10+ years of experience are likely to earn around $127K annually.
This gap between U.S.-based and international salaries may surprise you if you’re used to thinking about how much money someone makes based on their location or nationality (or whether they’re male or female).
However, before we dive into why there are so many differences between local wages around the globe and what that means for your finances, let’s take a look at other factors that could also impact your earnings.
Duties Of A Boiler Mechanic
Boiler mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, and other components used in commercial and industrial heating systems. Other duties of a Boiler Mechanic include the following;
- Installation, operation, and repair of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Installation and maintenance of fire protection systems.
- Installation and maintenance of electrical equipment, including wiring diagrams, circuit breakers, or fuses (the latter are used to protect equipment from overloads).
How To Get A Boiler Mechanic License?
There are three ways to get a boiler mechanic’s license:
- Take a written exam. The state where you live may have different requirements than other states. You can contact the licensing board in your state or online to find out what they’re looking for.
- Take an oral exam administered by the state’s licensing board. This might not be required, but it will help them determine if you’re qualified enough to work as a boiler mechanic on their team of professionals. If so, then congratulations. You just made it through all the steps necessary to obtain this respected profession.
- Submit an application fee and your materials (including any required photos).
Once these agencies submit and approve everything, they’ll issue your new license.
Read Also: Plumbing Technician: Career Overview
Skills Of A Boiler Mechanic
Boiler mechanics are skilled professionals who need to have a good understanding of all aspects of their work as well as an aptitude in math and science.
They must be able to read diagrams that help them understand how the equipment works before they can take action on it.
The skills of a boiler mechanic are in-demand and highly sought after. As a boiler mechanic, you’ll need to possess the following:
- Mechanical knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
- Safety awareness
These are just some of the skills that come with getting into this line of work. Read on to understand what it takes to be successful as a boiler mechanic.
Tips To Become A Boiler Mechanic
If you want to become a Boiler Mechanic, here are some tips to be one:
- Get a good education.
- Get some experience.
- Get your license.
- Learn about the latest technology, such as boilers and heat exchangers, before you start working on them. This will help you understand how they work to diagnose problems more easily and quickly than if they were unfamiliar terms or concepts just learned in school (and then forgotten).
- Be a team player. One who has strong interpersonal skills so that he can efficiently communicate with others within his company or organization. This includes co-workers who may not have been trained as hydraulic engineers but still need help fixing equipment issues related to boilers or other industrial machines used by businesses throughout North America today.
Conclusion
Now that you have an appropriate understanding of what it takes to become a boiler mechanic, it’s time to start planning your career path. The best part is that various options are available to those who want to enter the field.
With a solid foundation in math and science and some mechanical knowledge, a boiler mechanic can find work anywhere from large corporations like ExxonMobil down through small businesses like yours.
If you want more information about becoming an apprentice or starting your own business down this path, check out our blog post on becoming a certified expert in this field of work.
