Boilermaker to Nuclear — Your Complete Guide
Your pressure vessel and welding skills already qualify you for nuclear steam generator and reactor vessel work paying 45-70% more. The highest-paid trade on any nuclear site. Here's exactly what you need to get there.
What You'll Earn
Commercial Boilermaker
$28-38/hr
Nuclear Boilermaker
$42-56/hr
Nuclear Boilermakers earn 45-70% more than equivalent commercial roles. Senior nuclear boilermakers on steam generator replacements with ASME Section IX pressure welding credentials can earn $62-75/hour plus per diem and benefits. The highest-paid nuclear trade.
Certifications You Need
ASME Section IX Pressure Vessel Welding (Multiple Positions)
ANSI/ANS-3.1 Nuclear Safety Awareness (40 hours)
NRC Radiation Worker Training (RWT) (40 hours)
ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code
NBIC National Board Inspection Code Awareness
Tube Welding & Tube Sheet Repair Certification
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
Nuclear boilermakers perform the most demanding pressure boundary welding and repair work in the industry. Steam generator replacements, reactor vessel head replacements, and high-energy piping systems require ASME Section IX certifications across multiple positions and materials.
How Long It Takes
5-8 months
Most boilermakers can complete all required nuclear certifications in 5-8 months while working their current job. ASME Section IX pressure welding certifications require hands-on testing and are the most demanding trade certifications in the nuclear industry.
Once certified, you're immediately eligible for nuclear boilermaker roles on steam generator replacements, reactor vessel work, and new reactor construction projects.
Projects Hiring Now
Bruce Power MCR
Vogtle Units 3 & 4
OPG Darlington BWRX-300
Palisades Restart
Get Certified — Recommended Programs
ASME Section IX Nuclear Welding
American Welding Society
⏱️ 10 weeks
💰 $1,500
EPRI Steam Generator Training
Electric Power Research Institute
⏱️ 6 weeks
💰 $1,200
See Your Matches on WorkforceOS
Create your free profile and see which nuclear boilermaker jobs you already qualify for — and which certifications unlock the rest.