Boilermaker vs. Welder — What's the Difference?

A boilermaker is a tradesperson who fabricates steel, iron, or copper into boilers and other large containers intended to hold hot gas or liquid, as well as maintains and repairs boilers and boiler systems.Although the name originated from craftsmen who made boilers, boilermakers in fact assemble, maintain, and repair other large vessels and closed vats. The boilermaker trade evolved from industrial blacksmithing; in the early nineteenth century, a boilermaker was called a boilersmith.

In a broad sense, a welder is anyone, amateur or professional, who uses welding equipment, perhaps especially one who uses such equipment fairly often. In a narrower sense, a welder is a tradesperson who specializes in fusing materials together.

One that makes or repairs boilers.

Also wel·dor (-dər) A person who welds, especially as a profession.

(Slang) A drink of whiskey with a beer chaser.

A device that is used for welding.

A person qualified to make or repair boilers.

One who welds, or unites pieces of iron, etc., by welding.

(US) A whiskey with a beer chaser.

One who welds, or wields.

An item of equipment for welding with: an electric welder.

A manager; an actual occupant; a land-tenant holding under the farmer or middleman.

One who welds, or unites pieces of iron, etc., by welding.

One who welds, or wields.

A manager; an actual occupant.

Joins pieces of metal by welding them together