How Much Does a Boiler Operator Make? (2025)
A boiler operator is responsible for maintaining and safely operating boilers, engines, and equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. According to the BLS, employment for stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033.
The salary of a boiler operator is greatly influenced by factors such as experience and location. For 2025, Salary.com projects the average annual salary for a boiler operator in the United States to be $65,242.
Here are additional insights into boiler operator salary trend, top-paying cities in the US, ways to increase earnings, and common questions about the job.
Average Boiler Operator Salary
As mentioned, the projected annual average salary for boiler operators in the United States for 2025 is $65,242, which is 2.1% higher than the 2024 median wage of $63,900.
As of December 01, 2024, boiler operator salary range in the U.S is $44,987 to $81,476, with most earning between $54,000 to $73,100 annually.
2025 Boiler Operator Average Salary: $65,242 ($31.65 per hour)
2024 Boiler Operator Average Salary: $63,900 ($31per hour)
A boiler operator monthly salary is $5,325 on average, while the weekly rate is $1,229 on average. Meanwhile, a boiler operator salary per hour is $31, according to a Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22 | $865 | $3,749 | $44,987 |
| 25th Percentile | $26 | $1,038 | $4,500 | $54,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $31 | $1,229 | $5,325 | $63,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $35 | $1,406 | $6,092 | $73,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $39 | $1,567 | $6,790 | $81,476 |
Boiler Operator Salaries State by State
Boiler operator salaries can be highly variable across states, depending on factors such as local economic conditions, cost of living, and the strength of industry sectors.
For example, the highest average annual salary for a boiler operator in the United States is $71,100 in the District of Columbia, while the lowest is $57,000 in Mississippi.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $69,600 |
| Alabama | $58,700 |
| Arkansas | $58,200 |
| Arizona | $62,200 |
| California | $70,500 |
| Colorado | $65,200 |
| Connecticut | $68,600 |
| District of Columbia | $71,100 |
| Delaware | $64,800 |
| Florida | $60,700 |
| Georgia | $61,800 |
| Hawaii | $66,700 |
| Iowa | $61,100 |
| Idaho | $59,600 |
| Illinois | $65,300 |
| Indiana | $62,000 |
| Kansas | $60,800 |
| Kentucky | $60,100 |
| Louisiana | $60,700 |
| Massachusetts | $69,500 |
| Maryland | $65,900 |
| Maine | $62,200 |
| Michigan | $63,000 |
| Minnesota | $65,300 |
| Missouri | $60,900 |
| Mississippi | $57,000 |
| Montana | $59,700 |
| North Carolina | $61,300 |
| North Dakota | $63,200 |
| Nebraska | $60,200 |
| New Hampshire | $65,000 |
| New Jersey | $70,000 |
| New Mexico | $58,900 |
| Nevada | $64,100 |
| New York | $68,100 |
| Ohio | $62,500 |
| Oklahoma | $59,100 |
| Oregon | $64,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,700 |
| Rhode Island | $66,700 |
| South Carolina | $60,300 |
| South Dakota | $57,400 |
| Tennessee | $59,200 |
| Texas | $62,500 |
| Utah | $60,700 |
| Virginia | $64,100 |
| Vermont | $62,700 |
| Washington | $68,900 |
| Wisconsin | $63,100 |
| West Virginia | $57,500 |
| Wyoming | $61,300 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Boiler Operators?
Apart from state differences, boiler operator salaries also vary by city due to the cost of living, demand, and local job. For example, employers in cities in California, such as San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, offer some of the highest average annual pay for boiler operator workers, making these cities attractive locations for professionals in the field.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $80,200 ($39 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $79,800 ($38 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $77,900 ($37 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $74,600 ($36 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $74,100 ($36 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $73,600 ($35 per hour) |
How Experience Affects Boiler Operator Salary?
The salary for boiler operators can also increase with experience. In the report, an entry-level boiler operator earns about $60,349 annually. With under 2 years of experience, the pay increases to $60,645.
Operators with 2 to 4 years of experience earn around $64,279, while senior operators with 5 to 8 years make about $68,082. Those with over 8 years of experience earn a median salary of $68,354.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Boiler Operator | $60,349 |
| Intermediate Level Boiler Operator | $60,645 |
| Senior Level Boiler Operator | $64,279 |
| Specialist Level Boiler Operator | $68,082 |
| Expert Level Boiler Operator | $68,354 |
How to Increase Salary as a Boiler Operator?
For boiler operators seeking to improve their salary, prioritizing career advancements and acquiring highly-compensated skills is essential.
Boiler Operator Advancements
Boiler operators need a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained on the job or through an apprenticeship. To enhance salary potential, operators may obtain higher class licenses.
In regions without licensing requirements, advancement is typically achieved by passing company-administered exams to demonstrate proficiency in safely operating various types of boilers.
Boiler Operator Skills
Boiler operators with certain in-demand skills can increase their salaries. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, a boiler operator with energy management skills can earn a 7.24% salary increase, while those with field service experience may see a 7.19% increase.
Other skills that can boost a boiler operator's salary include:
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Management | 8.28% | +7.24% |
| Field Service | 7.82% | +7.19% |
| Welding | 9.49% | +7.00% |
| Plumbing | 18.94% | +5.80% |
| Safety Policies and Procedures | 4.94% | +5.64% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 41.93% | +4.74% |
| Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Cooling (HVAC) | 48.63% | +3.67% |
| Refrigeration Systems Inspection and Maintenance | 29.62% | +2.45% |
Boiler Operator Salary FAQs
Here are some common questions about job title:
What is the average salary of a boiler operator?
As of this writing, the average annual salary of a boiler operator is $63,900, or $31 per hour, $1,229 per week, or $5,325 monthly. For 2025, Salary.com projects the average annual salary of a boiler operator to increase to $65,242, or $31.65 per hour.
What is the highest salary for a boiler operator?
Based on a Salary.com report, the highest salary for a boiler operator can reach $81,476 annually, or $39 per hour. However, keep in mind that this depends on factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.
What does a boiler operator do?
As mentioned earlier, a boiler operator is responsible for maintaining and safely operating boilers, engines, and equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial purposes.
What qualifications do you need to fit a boiler?
The qualifications to become a boiler operator include a high school diploma, training through on-the-job experience or apprenticeships, and often a license. The license requires experience and passing an exam. Ongoing training may also be needed to keep up with new equipment and rules.
