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Boilermaker Apprenticeship in South Carolina

Wages, programs & career outlook
SC Median Salary
$124,400/yr
+70% vs. national
National Median
$73,340/yr
SC Sponsors
1114
Registered programs

South Carolina Wage Spread

Annual wages for Boilermakers in South Carolina across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$64,980
25th %ile
$106,980
Median
$124,400
75th %ile
$125,740
90th %ile
$128,260

Boilermaker Apprenticeship in South Carolina

The $124,400 median wage for Boilermakers in South Carolina significantly exceeds the $48,060 national average across all occupations — a 159% premium that underscores the financial case for this trade.

Compared to the $73,340 national median for Boilermakers, South Carolina pays 70% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

BLS projects -2.4% employment change for Boilermakers through 2034 — a declining field in aggregate. However, 800 annual replacement openings still create opportunities for apprenticeship completers.

A Boilermaker apprenticeship runs 4 years at 8,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation in evening or weekend classes.

South Carolina's 1,114 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Boilermaker compensation in South Carolina runs from $64,980 to $128,260 — a compressed $63,280 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in South Carolina

1114 registered apprenticeship sponsors in South Carolina. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Abbeville County Emergency Management Services Abbeville Abbeville County
BVS Precision Casting Corp. Abbeville Abbeville County
City of Abbeville Abbeville Abbeville County
KSC Logistics, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
McNeil Company, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
Prysmian Cables and Systems USA Abbeville Abbeville County
SC Works Center - Abbeville Abbeville —
Sage Automotive Interiors Abbeville Abbeville County
Sage Automotive Interiors - Abbeville Plant Abbeville Abbeville County
Stoll Industries Abbeville Abbeville County
Tahoma Rubber & Plastics, Inc. Abbeville Abbeville County
Village Career Center Abbeville Abbeville County
Aiken County Public School District Aiken —
Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. Aiken Aiken County
Autoneum Aiken Aiken County
Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board Aiken —
Mr. Central Aiken Aiken County
SC Metal Products Aiken Aiken County
SC Works Center - Aiken Aiken —
SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare Aiken Aiken County
Savannah River Mission Completion Aiken —
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC Aiken Aiken County
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC. Aiken Aiken County
Shaw Industries South Carolina Fibers Division 78 Aiken Aiken County
The Carlstar Group Aiken Aiken County
+ 5 more sponsors in South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Boilermakers make in South Carolina?
Boilermakers in South Carolina earn a median salary of $124,400/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $73,340 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Boilermaker through apprenticeship?
Most Boilermaker apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Should I do a Boilermaker apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Boilermakers, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Are Boilermaker jobs growing?
Demand for Boilermakers is declining, with -2.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Boilermaker apprenticeship in South Carolina?
There are 1114 registered apprenticeship sponsors in South Carolina. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Boilermaker apprentices get paid during training?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In South Carolina, a first-year Boilermaker apprentice might earn around $62,200/yr (roughly half the $124,400 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Boilermaker in Other States

Washington ($113,970) California ($107,600) Minnesota ($102,730) Wisconsin ($97,410) Illinois ($95,340) Pennsylvania ($87,710) Colorado ($86,980) Connecticut ($85,480) Indiana ($83,500) Montana ($83,200) New Jersey ($80,560) Louisiana ($76,320) Wyoming ($76,050) Arizona ($75,770) New York ($75,060) Arkansas ($74,780) Kentucky ($73,340) Nevada ($73,220) Idaho ($71,700) New Hampshire ($70,530)

Other Apprenticeships in South Carolina

Automotive Mechanic Bricklayer & Blockmason Carpenter Construction Painter Diesel Mechanic Electrical Power-Line Worker Electrician Elevator & Escalator Mechanic Firefighter Glazier HVAC Technician Industrial Machinery Mechanic Insulation Worker Ironworker Machinist Plumber & Pipefitter Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Welder
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.