How to hire a boiler operator

How to hire a boiler operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step boiler operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a boiler operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new boiler operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a boiler operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the boiler operator you need to hire. Certain boiler operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A boiler operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, boiler operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of boiler operators.

   Type of Boiler Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Boiler Operator	Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.	$16-33
   Shift Engineer	A shift engineer conducts maintenance operations and ensures a company's engineering policies are upheld. They supervise a team, perform preventative maintenance, take orders, keep records, and control inventory... Show more	$30-61
   Watch Engineer	A watch engineer designs and develops equipment according to project concepts and requirements. Although their responsibilities vary upon their industry or company of employment, it typically includes conducting research and analyses to establish plans, produce prototypes, create and implement test structures, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize operations... Show more	$30-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Air Compressors
   • Boiler Room
   • Chillers
   • HVAC
   • Steam Boilers
   • Water Treatment
   • Ladders
   • Cooling Towers
   • Plumbing
   • Auxiliary Equipment
   • Hand Tools
   • Plant Equipment
   • Plant Operations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
   • Experience in welding, brazing, soldering etc.
   • Crane operator and highly experience CDL driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
   • Analyze operating data to make sure the equipment run at optimal levels.
   • Run, repair or troubleshoot electrical systems, both high and low voltages.
   • Create and update safety reporting for injuries and lose time including OSHA compliance logs.

   More boiler operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your boiler operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A boiler operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, boiler operators' average salary in arkansas is 53% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level boiler operators earn 50% less than senior-level boiler operators.
   • Certifications. A boiler operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a boiler operator's salary.

   Average boiler operator salary

   $49,782yearly

   $23.93 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level boiler operator salary

   $35,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average boiler operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$69,324	$33
   2	Washington	$62,106	$30
   3	Massachusetts	$58,679	$28
   4	Minnesota	$55,784	$27
   5	Iowa	$54,416	$26
   6	Ohio	$53,634	$26
   7	North Dakota	$52,927	$25
   8	New Jersey	$51,586	$25
   9	Colorado	$50,823	$24
   10	Tennessee	$43,881	$21
   11	Mississippi	$42,943	$21
   12	Virginia	$42,173	$20
   13	North Carolina	$37,684	$18
   14	Alabama	$36,682	$18
   15	Arkansas	$32,177	$15

   Average boiler operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Southeastern Med	$75,088	$36.10
   2	St. Mary's Health Inc.	$73,646	$35.41	1
   3	Anheuser-Busch	$73,484	$35.33	10
   4	CovenantHealth	$71,977	$34.60	6
   5	MaineGeneral Health	$71,189	$34.23	1
   6	St. Peter's Health Partners	$70,070	$33.69	2
   7	Bon Secours Community Hospital	$67,968	$32.68
   8	Beaumont Health	$67,365	$32.39
   9	Allison Transmission	$66,226	$31.84
   10	Xerox	$65,045	$31.27	8
   11	B&G Foods	$64,085	$30.81	4
   12	Stimson Lumber	$63,816	$30.68
   13	Michelin	$63,545	$30.55	3
   14	Idaho Forest Group	$61,989	$29.80	5
   15	Bridgestone	$61,889	$29.75	2
   16	Merck	$61,557	$29.59	1
   17	OSF HealthCare	$61,195	$29.42
   18	Covanta	$60,805	$29.23
   19	Mercy Health	$60,704	$29.18
   20	Ziegler CAT	$59,873	$28.79

4. Writing a boiler operator job description

   A boiler operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a boiler operator job description:

   Boiler operator job description example

   Experience Required: 3 - 5 Years Relocation Provided: No
   
   Education Required: High School Diploma
   
   RC/Department: 6464 -MWREG CHICAGO TERMINAL :KMLQT
   
   Position Description
   
   This is a seasonal position at the Chicago Terminal. - Operate industrial 500 HP fire tube boiler and 1000HP water tube boiler with 100% makeup water - Perform tests to determine chemical levels in feed water and condensate - Perform daily boiler operation checklist - Manage industrial water softener system - Manage industrial de-aerator system - Operate and test industrial fire pump - Operate and test industrial air compressors and plant air systems - Operate and test emergency generator and associate electrical systems - Operate and test industrial boiler feed water pumps - Perform daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance checks - Perform checks on systems during shift - Manage industrial water storage tank for fire water and feed water use -Take periodic meter readings - Monitor all boiler house equipment and processes - Monitor gauges and charts - All other duties as assigned.
   
   Position Requirements
   
   - Individual must have 3-5 years experience working in industrial boiler operations. Experience operating fire tube, water tube boilers and operating valves and pumps. - Must be mechanically inclined and have ability to use hand tools. - Must have a City of Chicago Stationary Engineer license. - Must have a flexible schedule to work in a 24/7 operation - rotating shifts and overtime as required. - Must possess basic computer skills and have the ability to work from verbal and written instructions. - Good mathematical skills (Addition, Subtraction, Fractions, Multiplication and Percentages) are required. Successful completion of validated testing may be required. - Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions as outside work will be mandatory. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical requirements include, but not limited to, walking up and down stairs/ladders including heights over 60ft, negotiating uneven surfaces, and carrying/lifting up to 50 pounds. Must be able to wear standard PPE. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers. Successful completion of a background check, physical and drug screening upon offer. Will be required to obtain TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential) Must join local 399 union.
   
   EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find boiler operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any boiler operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level boiler operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your boiler operator job on Zippia to find and recruit boiler operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit boiler operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new boiler operator

   Once you've found the boiler operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new boiler operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a boiler operator?