Boilermaker in Australia
Fabrication, Welding & FIFO
The complete guide to apprenticeships (MEM30319), salaries, tickets, and high-paying FIFO shutdown jobs in 2025.
Overview
Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, repair, and install metal structures. From mining equipment to pressure vessels and pipelines, they are the backbone of Australia's heavy industry.
Heavy Industry
Essential for mining, oil & gas, and defence shipbuilding.
Massive Overtime
Shutdown work offers some of the highest weekly pay in any trade.
Specialisation
Pathways into pressure welding and structural fabrication.
What Does a Boilermaker Do?
Common tasks include everything from reading engineering drawings to heavy structural assembly:
- Fabricating steel structures and frames
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding
- Reading engineering & fabrication drawings
- Installing & repairing metal components
- Working on mining equipment (dump trucks, excavators)
- Structural steel assembly
- Cutting, shaping, and bending steel
- Shutdown & maintenance work
Work Environments
Boilermaker Salary in Australia (2025)
Boilermakers are among Australia’s best-paid metal trades, driven by mining demand.
| Experience Level | Salary / Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (1st–4th year) | $16 – $28 / hr |
| Newly Qualified | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Experienced Boilermaker | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Mining / Industrial Boilermaker | $120,000 – $150,000 |
| FIFO Shutdowns | $150,000 – $220,000+ |
Shutdown Potential
Short-term shutdown roles can pay $55–$75/hr + penalties, often earning $4,000–$8,000 per week during peak periods.
Apprenticeship Pathway
The standard qualification is the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30319). It takes approx 4 years.
Find Employer
Secure an employer for an apprenticeship in Heavy Fabrication or Welding.
Train & Study
Attend TAFE for theory (MEM30319) while working full-time on the tools.
Assessment
Complete workplace competency assessments and logbook requirements.
Get Tickets
Qualify and then apply for industry specific tickets (like Working at Heights).
Looking for a Fabrication Apprenticeship?
Use our free tool to search for open boilermaker positions by state.
Launch Apprenticeship Finder ToolCertifications & Requirements
Boilermakers don't have a single "state licence" like electricians, but specific tickets are mandatory for site access.
Site Requirements
-
White Card Construction Induction (Mandatory).
-
Working at Heights Crucial for structural assembly.
-
Confined Spaces Often required for tank/vessel work.
-
EWP (11m+) Elevated Work Platform licence.
-
High Risk Tickets Dogging (DG) and Rigging (RB) are highly valued.
Advanced Welding Tickets
AS1796 Welding Certification
For pressure equipment welding, you need specific certificates (Cert 1-9) depending on the process and material.
- Required for pressure vessels
- Highly valued in Oil & Gas
- Covers TIG, MIG, Stick & Oxy
Where are the jobs?
WA Mining
Iron ore & gold projects in the Pilbara.
Defence
Shipbuilding in SA and WA.
Infrastructure
Major rail and tunnel projects in VIC/NSW.
Oil & Gas
LNG projects in NT and QLD.
FIFO Boilermaker Pathway
Australia’s highest earning potential for trades.
FIFO boilermakers, especially those on shutdowns, can earn between $150,000 – $220,000+. It requires heavy fabrication skills and the ability to work long hours in heat.
Job Ready Checklist
- Cert III Engineering - Fab
- Strong MIG/Stick skills
- Working at Heights & EWP
- Confined Space Entry
- Mining Medical
Is it worth it?
The Good
- Very high earning potential
- High overtime / penalty rates
- Skills transfer across industries
- Great FIFO opportunities
The Challenges
- Physically demanding & hot work
- Noisy and hazardous environments
- Shutdown rosters can be exhausting
- Away from home for long periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boilermaking a good career?
Yes — it is one of the most in-demand trades in mining, construction, and manufacturing with excellent pay.
Do boilermakers need a licence?
No electrical-style licence is needed, but industry tickets (heights, confined spaces, welding certificates) are essential.
Are boilermakers paid well?
Yes — especially in mining and shutdowns where salaries can exceed $200k with overtime.
How long is the apprenticeship?
Approximately 4 years (42-48 months) to complete the Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade.