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How to become a licensed Boiler Operator in Ohio. State license required. Total initial fees: $100-$150. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Boiler Operator — BO
Governing Authority
Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance, Boiler Section
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
7% of data points are verified against official sources. 38 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
5
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$100-$150
Total Initial Fees
Biennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
Ohio boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
5
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Stationary Steam Engineer — 5th Class
Entry level for operating small boilers
Experience: None to minimal
Boiler Types: Small low-pressure boilers
Stationary Steam Engineer — 4th Class
For operating boilers up to 50 HP
Experience: 6 months experience
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 50 HP
Stationary Steam Engineer — 3rd Class
For operating boilers up to 200 HP
Experience: 1 year experience
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 200 HP
Stationary Steam Engineer — 2nd Class
For operating boilers up to 500 HP
Experience: 2 years experience
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 500 HP
Stationary Steam Engineer — 1st Class
Unlimited — chief engineer
Experience: 3+ years experience
Boiler Types: All boilers, unlimited capacity
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: minimal (5th Class) to 3+ years (1st Class)
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
On-the-job training under a licensed engineer; approved training programs accepted
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
Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination covering boiler operation, steam engineering, ASME codes, and Ohio boiler laws (ORC Chapter 4104)
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4104
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 Ohio boiler operator license fee | $50 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per cycle | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees | $100-$150 |
Renewal requirements and ongoing obligations
Mostly verifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
Not Required
Continuing Education
N/A
CE Hours per Cycle
Renewal Fee
$50
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.
Ohio's 5-class system is one of the most structured in the Midwest, requiring progressive advancement through experience and examination.
Ohio has a comprehensive 5-class stationary steam engineer licensing program.
The Division of Industrial Compliance under the Department of Commerce administers the program.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4104 governs boiler and pressure vessel safety, including operator licensing.
All high-pressure boiler plants must have a licensed engineer on duty during operation.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#24 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
$62,400
-5% 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: Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance, Boiler Section
Estimated total: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance, Boiler Section
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance, Boiler Section
Study guides and practice tests for boiler operator licensing exams.
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Ohio requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 5 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Ohio is overseen by the Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Industrial Compliance, Boiler Section.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.