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How to become a licensed Boiler Operator in Washington. 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
Washington Department of Labor and Industries — Boiler/Pressure Vessel Program
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
8% of data points are verified against official sources. 35 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
4
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$100-$150
Total Initial Fees
Triennial (every 3 years)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
Washington boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
4
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Boiler Operator — Grade 4
Entry-level, for operating small low-pressure boilers
Experience: Basic training
Boiler Types: Small low-pressure steam and hot water boilers
Boiler Operator — Grade 3
For operating mid-size boilers
Experience: 1 year experience
Boiler Types: Mid-capacity boilers
Boiler Operator — Grade 2
For operating large boilers
Experience: 2 years experience
Boiler Types: Large capacity boilers
Boiler Operator — Grade 1
Unlimited boiler operation — chief engineer
Experience: 3+ years experience
Boiler Types: All boiler types, 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: basic training (Grade 4) to 3+ years (Grade 1)
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
On-the-job training under a licensed engineer; approved training programs
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
Washington Department of Labor and Industries
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination covering boiler operation, safety, ASME codes, and Washington regulations (WAC 296-104)
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; WAC 296-104
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 Washington 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 verifiedTriennial (every 3 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.
Washington's 4-grade boiler operator licensing system uses Grade 4 as the entry level (opposite of states where 1st Class is the highest).
Washington has a 4-grade boiler operator licensing system administered by the Department of Labor and Industries.
WAC 296-104 (the boiler and pressure vessel safety regulation) governs operator licensing.
All boiler plants above certain thresholds must have a licensed operator on duty.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#6 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
$76,200
+16% 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: Washington Department of Labor and Industries — Boiler/Pressure Vessel Program
Estimated total: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Washington Department of Labor and Industries — Boiler/Pressure Vessel Program
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington Department of Labor and Industries — Boiler/Pressure Vessel Program
Study guides and practice tests for boiler operator licensing exams.
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Washington requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 4 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Washington is overseen by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries — Boiler/Pressure Vessel Program.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.