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How to become a licensed Boiler Operator in Minnesota. State license required. Total initial fees: $95-$130. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Boiler Operator — BO
Governing Authority
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Inspection Unit
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
7% of data points are verified against official sources. 41 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
6
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$95-$130
Total Initial Fees
Triennial (every 3 years)
Renewal Period
Yes
CE Required
Minnesota boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
6
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Special Engineer (Boiler)
For operating specific boilers at a designated location
Experience: Basic training
Boiler Types: Specific boiler at a designated facility
2nd Class C Engineer
For operating low-pressure boilers
Experience: 6 months experience
Boiler Types: Low-pressure steam and hot water boilers
2nd Class B Engineer
For operating boilers up to 500 HP
Experience: 1 year experience
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 500 HP
2nd Class A Engineer
For operating boilers up to 2,000 HP
Experience: 2 years experience
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 2,000 HP
1st Class Engineer
Unlimited boiler operation — chief engineer
Experience: 3+ years experience
Boiler Types: All boilers, unlimited capacity
Chief Engineer
Chief engineer for large plants
Experience: 5+ years experience
Boiler Types: All boilers and power plants, unlimited
Boiler operator licensing requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require multiple grades of licenses based on boiler size and pressure rating, while others do not require a state-level license at all. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provides the national standard for boiler safety. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.
Education, experience, and training requirements
Mostly verifiedEducation Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Progressive: 6 months (2nd Class C) to 5+ years (Chief Engineer)
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
On-the-job training under licensed engineers; boiler operator training courses available
Boiler operator training typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Many states require a combination of formal education and documented operating experience before licensure. The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) and industry associations offer additional training and certification programs.
Examination requirements and details
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Exam Provider
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination covering boiler operation, steam engineering, ASME codes, NB standards, and Minnesota boiler law (Minnesota Statutes 183)
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days; limited to 3 attempts within 12 months
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; Minnesota Statutes 183
Boiler operator examinations typically cover ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, boiler operation principles, safety procedures, and state-specific regulations. Some states use examinations from the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE), while others administer their own exams.
Insurance and bonding requirements
Mostly verifiedInsurance Required
No
Bonding Required
No
Most states do not require individual boiler operators to carry personal insurance or bonding. Employers typically carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance that covers boiler operations. Facilities with boilers are generally required to have boiler and machinery insurance.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
License Fee Minnesota boiler operator license fee | $35 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $60 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per cycle | $35 |
Total Initial Fees Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees | $95-$130 |
Renewal requirements and ongoing obligations
Mostly verifiedTriennial (every 3 years)
Renewal Period
Required
Continuing Education
16 Hours
CE Hours per Cycle
Continuing Education Details
16 hours of continuing education required per renewal cycle (every 3 years)
Renewal Fee
$35
Renewal requirements vary by state. Most states that license boiler operators require annual or biennial renewal. A few states require continuing education to maintain licensure. Failure to renew on time may result in lapse of license and the need to retake examinations.
Minnesota is one of the few states that requires continuing education for boiler engineers and has 6 distinct license grades, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the country.
Minnesota has one of the most detailed boiler engineer licensing programs, with 6 grades from Special Engineer to Chief Engineer.
The Department of Labor and Industry's Boiler Inspection Unit administers the program.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 183 governs boiler operation and requires licensed engineers.
Minnesota requires 16 hours of continuing education per 3-year renewal cycle.
Minnesota accepts NIULPE (National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers) exams for some license classes.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#12 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators (SOC 51-8021)
Entry Level
N/A
25th percentile
Median
$70,400
+7% vs. national avg ($65,850)Experienced
N/A
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Source: BLS OEWS – Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2022-2032
Projected Growth
+2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
N/A
over 10 years
Annual Openings
N/A
per year (avg.)
N/A currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032 (September 2023)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Inspection Unit
Estimated total: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Inspection Unit
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Inspection Unit
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Accessed 2025-01-15
Minnesota requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 6 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Minnesota is overseen by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Inspection Unit.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.