Millwrights
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
Is millwrights a good career?
It scores 12/100 and ranks #628 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($65,700)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (0.0%)
What millwrights earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. millwrights earn between $56,390 and $81,500 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights generally need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some mechanics and millwrights complete a 2-year associate’s degree program in industrial maintenance. Industrial maintenance programs may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Training
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers typically receive more than a year of on-the-job training. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers learn how to perform routine tasks, such as setting up, cleaning, lubricating, and starting machinery. They also may be instructed in subjects such as shop mathematics, blueprint reading, proper hand tool use, welding, electronics, and computer programming. This training may be offered on the job by professional trainers hired by the employer or by representatives of equipment manufacturers.
Most millwrights learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of relevant technical instruction and up to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. On the job, apprentices learn to set up, clean, lubricate, repair, and start machinery. During technical instruction, they are taught welding, mathematics, how to read blueprints, and machinery troubleshooting. Many also receive computer training.
After completing an apprenticeship program, millwrights are considered fully qualified and can usually perform tasks with less guidance.
Employers, local unions, contractor associations, and the state labor department often sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are as follows:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Physically able to do the work
Important qualities
Manual dexterity. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination when handling very small parts.
Mechanical skills. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights use technical manuals and sophisticated diagnostic equipment to figure out why machines are not working. Workers must be able to reassemble large, complex machines after finishing a repair.
Troubleshooting skills. Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights must observe, diagnose, and fix problems that a machine may be having.
Related occupations
How much do millwrights make?
The national median wage is $65,700 a year, with the middle half earning between $56,390 and $81,500 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is millwrights a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 12 of 100 and ranks #628 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change 0.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a millwright?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do millwrights earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($107,540). Local pay for every state and metro is below.