Millwrights
SOC code 49-9044 · O*NET-SOC 49-9044.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Millwrights pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$65,700
a year
Hourly
$31.59
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$69,780
$33.55 per hour
Middle 50%
$56,390 – $81,500
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,290 – $93,600
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
40,330
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,290
- $22.25/hr
- 25th percentile
- $56,390
- $27.11/hr
- Median percentile
- $65,700
- $31.59/hr
- 75th percentile
- $81,500
- $39.18/hr
- 90th percentile
- $93,600
- $45.00/hr
What does a millwright do?
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a millwright
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 45% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)45%
- Post-Secondary Certificate36%
- Some College Courses9%
- Less than a High School Diploma5%
Common questions
How much does a millwright earn?
The national median is $65,700 a year. The full range runs from $46,290 at the 10th percentile to $93,600 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a millwright without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.8/5
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Building and Construction4.2/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Design3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Installation, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Repairing, Operation and Control.