How To Become a Boiler Technician in 5 Steps

Boiler technicians play a crucial role in keeping heating systems running safely and efficiently in homes, schools, factories, and office buildings. They install, maintain, and repair boilers, as well as related equipment, which are essential for heating and hot water. Because the job requires both technical knowledge and hands-on skill, many students want to know what it takes to get started.

If you’re interested in this career, you’ll need training, certification, and experience working with heating systems. The good news is that boiler technician programs are available at trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships across the country. In this article, we’ll walk through the five main steps, highlight training schools, and share salary and job outlook information to help you plan your path.

What Does a Boiler Technician Do?

A boiler technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting boiler systems that provide heat and hot water. This includes inspecting equipment, replacing worn parts, and ensuring the entire system runs safely. Boiler techs also test water quality, monitor gauges, and adjust controls to keep pressure and temperature within safe limits.

Because boilers are used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, technicians must follow strict safety regulations. They often work with tools, meters, and specialized testing devices, as well as keep detailed maintenance records. In many cases, boiler techs also coordinate with HVAC teams, building engineers, or facility managers to ensure heating systems meet both performance and compliance standards.

Steps To Become a Boiler Technician

Starting a career as a boiler technician usually follows a clear process. Below are the five steps most students take to enter this trade.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step is to complete your high school education or earn a GED. Math, science, and shop classes provide a helpful foundation since boiler work involves measurements, safety rules, and mechanical skills. 

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are also important because technicians often diagnose issues quickly in high-pressure environments. Most trade schools, apprenticeships, and licensing programs require you to have a diploma or GED for admission.

Step 2: Complete Training at a Boiler Technician or HVAC School

Formal training is the best way to build technical knowledge and prepare for certification. Many community colleges and trade schools offer boiler or HVAC programs that cover topics like combustion, controls, piping, welding, and safety standards. 

You’ll also gain experience with tools and testing equipment used in the field. Most programs last a few months to two years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or an associate degree.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience or Apprenticeship

Experience is key in the boiler industry. Apprenticeships combine classroom training with paid, supervised work, allowing you to learn directly from licensed technicians. On-the-job training teaches you how to troubleshoot real systems, perform preventive maintenance, and follow safety protocols. 

Apprenticeships may last three to four years, but the paid experience helps offset costs and often leads to full-time employment. Even if you complete a school program first, seeking internships or entry-level jobs is a valuable way to build skills.

Step 4: Obtain Boiler Certifications or Licenses

Most states require boiler technicians to hold certifications or licenses to work independently. The National Association of Stationary Operating Engineers (NASOE) and the American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) are two organizations that offer industry-recognized credentials. 

Some states also require exams to prove your knowledge of boiler operations, safety, and maintenance procedures. In addition, you may need an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification if you work with refrigerants.

Step 5: Apply for Boiler Technician Jobs

Once you’ve completed training and earned your certifications, you can start applying for jobs. Boiler technicians are employed in power plants, schools, factories, hospitals, and office buildings. 

Many positions are full-time and may include overtime during the winter heating season. To stand out, highlight any certifications, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience you’ve completed. 

Boiler Technician Training Schools

Training programs for boiler technicians are available at trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. These programs teach you the core skills you’ll need, such as boiler operation, welding, electrical systems, and safety compliance. Some schools focus on short-term certificates that prepare you for entry-level jobs, while others offer two-year associate degrees for students seeking broader HVAC training.

Below are 10 boiler technician training programs to help you explore your options:

• Eastern Maine Community College: The school offers an oil burner technician program that prepares students for state licensing exams. Coursework covers installation, repair, and troubleshooting of heating systems, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
• Berk Trade and Business School: It provides training in plumbing and heating systems, including boiler operation. Students get hands-on experience with tools and systems, preparing for entry-level jobs in building maintenance.
• Macomb Community College: This college features a stationary steam engineering program that teaches boiler operation, steam systems, and safety codes. The curriculum prepares students for Michigan boiler licensing exams.
• Riverland Community College: This school offers a low-pressure boiler course that introduces maintenance, operation, and inspection of boiler systems. The program is ideal for students seeking entry-level skills or certification.
• Milwaukee Area Technical College: This technical college provides a boiler operator program that focuses on safe boiler operation, water treatment, and maintenance. Training prepares students to meet Wisconsin’s licensing requirements.
• Kentucky Community & Technical College System: It offers a boiler maintenance certificate within its air conditioning technology program. Students learn repair, inspection, and preventive maintenance to prepare for technical careers.
• The Training Center: It specializes in boiler training, with programs designed for state and city licensing exams. Students gain a practical understanding of boiler operations, maintenance, and code compliance.
• Rogue Community College: This school provides a boiler operator apprenticeship program that includes classroom study, along with supervised on-the-job training. This program helps students gain state-recognized credentials while earning.
• Los Angeles Trade-Technical College: The school offers an operation and maintenance engineering program with a focus on steam plant systems. Students develop skills in boiler operation, safety, and energy efficiency.
• NTT Training: It runs a boiler technical and operational workshop, designed for working professionals. The short-term course focuses on troubleshooting, efficiency, and preventive maintenance.

Boiler Technician Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, stationary engineers and boiler operators earn a median annual wage of around $75,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start closer to $45,000, while experienced technicians in industrial or power generation settings can make $90,000 or more. Pay often depends on location, certifications, and the size of the facility.

Job growth is expected to remain steady, with opportunities especially strong in commercial buildings, hospitals, and manufacturing plants that rely on large heating systems. As older workers retire, demand for trained boiler technicians should remain consistent, creating stable job prospects for new entrants into the field.

FAQs About Becoming a Boiler Technician

Students often have questions about how long it takes, what certifications are needed, and what the career outlook looks like. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Boiler Technician?

Most students can prepare for entry-level work in about two years by combining school with hands-on experience. Apprenticeships may take longer, often three to four years, but you’ll earn money while you train. The exact timeline depends on whether you choose a certificate, associate degree, or apprenticeship pathway.

Do You Need a Degree To Work as a Boiler Technician?

No, you don’t need a degree to start in this career. Many technicians enter the field with a high school diploma and a trade school certificate. However, earning an associate degree in HVAC or a related field can open more job opportunities and make you more competitive for promotions.

What Certifications Are Required?

Certification requirements vary by state, but most boiler technicians need either a state license or an industry credential. Organizations like NASOE and ASOPE offer exams to verify your knowledge of safety, maintenance, and operations. EPA certification may also be required if you handle refrigerants as part of HVAC work.

How Do Boiler Technicians Differ From HVAC Technicians?

Boiler technicians specialize in systems that heat water and generate steam, while HVAC technicians work with a broader range of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Boiler work often involves pressure vessels, combustion, and water chemistry. HVAC technicians may overlap with boiler techs but tend to focus more on air conditioning and refrigeration.

Are Boiler Technician Jobs in Demand?

Yes, boiler technicians remain in steady demand, especially in industries that rely on large heating systems. Hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and schools all need trained professionals to keep their boilers safe and efficient. As experienced workers retire, job openings are expected to stay strong for new technicians entering the field.

Explore Trade Schools

Trade schools and community colleges make it easier to start a career in boiler technology. Explore training programs on Learn.org to find the right school, compare program options, and take the first step toward your new career.