The median pay for Millwrights is $65,700 a year ($31.59/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 0.9% through 2035, with about 3,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 49-9044
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Millwright in four numbers
- Median pay
- $65,700a year, or $31.59/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $46KTop 10% $94K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +0.9%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+0.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +0.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,20040,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202540.7K
- Projected 203541K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 40.7K Projected 2035 41K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school4.6%
- High school45.5%
- Certificate36.4%
- Some college9.1%
- Associate's4.6%
Highest education held by millwrights Segment Value Less than high school 4.6% High school 45.5% Certificate 36.4% Some college 9.1% Associate's 4.6%
Also advertised as: Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Millwright, Millwright, Millwright Business Representative (Millwright Business Rep), Millwright Foreman, Millwright General Foreman.
Pay
How much do Millwrights make?
Every millwright in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$65,700
Middle half earn $56,390 to $81,500
- 10th
- $46,290
- 25th
- $56,390
- 75th
- $81,500
- 90th
- $93,600
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $46,290 |
| 25th | $56,390 |
| Median | $65,700 |
| 75th | $81,500 |
| 90th | $93,600 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $65,700
- Median hourly wage
- $31.59/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $69,780
- People employed
- 40,330
Versus all US occupations
At $65,700, Millwrights earn 29% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $14,720 a year.
Versus installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
Inside the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair group, where the middle occupation pays $61,150, this is 7% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $93,600 or more while the bottom 10% earn $46,290, a gap of 2.0×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 41% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New Jersey pays the most at $107,540, and still leads at $98,837 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Millwrights the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New Jersey | $107,540 | $98,837 | 340 |
| 2New Mexico | $90,230 | $97,851 | 60 |
| 3Michigan | $89,190 | $92,697 | 2,900 |
| 4Wisconsin | $82,630 | $87,816 | 1,220 |
| 5Colorado | $81,440 | $79,028 | 200 |
| 6Kansas | $79,690 | $88,478 | 840 |
| 7New York | $79,560 | $73,721 | 1,000 |
| 8Minnesota | $78,570 | $79,669 | 480 |
| 9California | $77,950 | $70,403 | 2,230 |
| 10Indiana | $77,140 | $82,654 | 1,760 |
Job outlook
Is Millwright a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +0.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Millwrights | +0.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Millwrights to change 0.9% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,200 openings are projected each year, 7.9% of the 40,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights varies by occupation (see table).
The continued adoption of automated manufacturing machinery is expected to create jobs for these workers, as they will be needed to help keep machines in good working order. The use of automated conveyors to move products and materials in factories is likely to be an area of high demand for these workers, because the conveyor belts, motors, and rollers need regular care and maintenance.
Getting in
How to become a Millwright
Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights typically need a high school diploma. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers also usually need a year or more of training after high school.
Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about 4 years.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Apprenticeship
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as millwrights.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)45.5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate36.4%
- Some College Courses9.1%
- Less than a High School Diploma4.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 45.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 36.4% |
| Some College Courses | 9.1% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 4.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 4.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Millwright do?
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
Day-to-day tasks
- Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
- Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.
- Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
- Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
- Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
- Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers are employed full time during regular business hours. However, mechanics may be on call and work night or weekend shifts. Overtime is common, particularly for mechanics.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.6
- Active Listening3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Learning Strategies2.9
- Writing2.8
- Active Learning2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Installation3.8
- Equipment Maintenance3.8
- Troubleshooting3.8
- Operations Monitoring3.6
- Repairing3.6
- Operation and Control3.4
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Time Management3.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Installation | 3.8 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.8 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.8 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 |
| Repairing | 3.6 |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Time Management | 3.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Millwright?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Millwright |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.6
- Investigative2.7
- Artistic1.6
- Enterprising1.1
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Millwright
O*NET related occupations
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Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler
$65,380median a year
Most earn $47K to $108K
−5.6%High school - Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
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More installation, maintenance, and repair careers
Median annual pay, with millwrights highlighted
- Aircraft Mechanic$79,870
- Millwright$65,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic$64,520
- Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer, Except Line Installers$63,890
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist$61,770
- Medical Equipment Repairer$61,660
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer$61,010
- Automotive Body and Related Repairer$54,890
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic$50,620
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79,870 |
| Millwright | $65,700 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $64,520 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer, Except Line Installers | $63,890 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist | $61,770 |
| Medical Equipment Repairer | $61,660 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer | $61,010 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairer | $54,890 |
| Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic | $50,620 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Millwright appears on
Questions
Millwright: frequently asked questions
How much do Millwrights make?
Millwrights earn a median of $65,700 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 29% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $31.59/hr. The middle half earn between $56,390 and $81,500. The top 10% earn $93,600 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Millwright?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Millwrights. BLS also lists apprenticeship as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 45.5% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Millwright a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 0.9% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Millwright do?
Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery, such as conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. A core O*NET task: replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Which states pay Millwrights the most?
The highest state medians for Millwrights are New Jersey ($107,540), New Mexico ($90,230), Michigan ($89,190) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Millwright?
O*NET scores Millwrights highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.