Millwright

Your Fit

Income

$65K

Preparation

Some

Growth

3.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Millwright?

Millwrights are skilled tradespeople who install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites. They are experts in mechanical equipment and are responsible for ensuring that machinery operates efficiently and safely.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Millwright.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Millwright earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$55K per year	$65K per year	$81K per year	$94K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Millwright do?

Work environment

Millwrights typically work in industrial and manufacturing settings, including factories, power plants, and construction sites. The job often involves working in challenging conditions, such as extreme heights or confined spaces, and can require substantial physical effort. Safety is paramount, and millwrights must be adept at using protective equipment and following safety protocols.

Quick task list

Installs and aligns new machinery and equipment.
Conducts routine maintenance and repairs on industrial machines.
Reads and interprets blueprints and schematic drawings.
Dismantles and moves machinery when necessary.
Collaborates with other tradespeople and engineers on installations or repairs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Industrial Machinery Installation: Specializing in setting up and maintaining factory equipment.
Precision Alignment: Focusing on aligning machines and equipment to exact specifications.
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Expertise in hydraulic and pneumatic machinery.
Renewable Energy Systems: Specializing in machinery used in wind turbines and other renewable energy sources.

Description

Millwrights are integral to the operation of various industries, as they ensure that machinery and equipment are functioning correctly and efficiently. Their work begins with interpreting blueprints and plans to understand machinery specifications. They use a variety of hand and power tools, as well as advanced measuring and alignment equipment, to install and assemble machinery correctly. A millwright's role is not just about installation but also about maintenance and repair, requiring a deep understanding of mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and sometimes even basic electrical systems.

Safety and precision are key aspects of a millwright's job. They must follow stringent safety guidelines to prevent accidents, especially when working in high-risk environments like construction sites or manufacturing plants. The role requires physical stamina and strength, as well as the flexibility to work in various settings and conditions.

Millwrights must also possess good problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Effective communication with other tradespeople, engineers, and managers is crucial, particularly during complex installations or when troubleshooting mechanical issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The challenge and variety of working on different types of machinery.
The satisfaction of seeing a machine operate smoothly after installation or repair.
Being a key player in maintaining the operational efficiency of industries.

You might make a good Millwright if you are...

Mechanically inclined and enjoy working with tools and machinery.
Detail-oriented, with a focus on precision and accuracy.
Physically fit and able to handle demanding work environments.
A problem-solver who enjoys overcoming technical challenges.
Able to read and interpret technical documents and blueprints.

Pros:

Diverse Work Environments: Millwrights work in various settings, from manufacturing plants to construction sites, offering varied experiences.
High Demand: Consistent need for skilled millwrights in many industries, ensuring job stability.
Job Satisfaction: Significant sense of accomplishment from physically building and maintaining essential machinery.
Opportunities for Travel: Many millwrights travel to different sites for installation or repair, offering a change of scenery.
Good Pay: Competitive wages, often with opportunities for overtime.

Cons:

Physically Demanding: Requires strength and stamina for handling heavy equipment.
Potential for Injury: Higher risk due to working with large machinery and in potentially hazardous environments.
Irregular Hours: Work can include evenings, weekends, and overtime to meet project deadlines.
Travel Requirements: Some positions require extensive travel, which can be challenging for work-life balance.
Continuous Learning: Need to stay updated with the latest technology and machinery.

How to become a Millwright

Typical education

Most millwrights have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Formal apprenticeships, which combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, are common and typically last about four years. Some millwrights may also attend vocational or technical schools.

High school preparation

Courses:

Industrial Arts/Shop Classes: Basic skills in working with tools and machinery.
Mathematics: Focus on geometry and algebra for understanding blueprints and measurements.
Physics: Understanding the principles of mechanics and motion.
Technical Drawing or Drafting: Skills for interpreting and creating blueprints and plans.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Robotics or Engineering Clubs: Develop mechanical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Part-Time Work or Internships: In construction, manufacturing, or mechanical workshops.
Community Service Projects: Involving construction or mechanical work for hands-on experience.
Vocational Competitions: Like SkillsUSA challenges in industrial mechanics or carpentry.

Preparation after high school

Apprenticeship Programs: Most millwrights learn through apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Technical or Trade Schools: Programs in industrial mechanics or related fields.
Community College: Courses in mechanical engineering technology or industrial maintenance.
Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications, such as welding or machinery operation.
On-the-Job Training: Entry-level positions that offer practical experience in industrial settings.

More resources

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America - Offers millwright training programs.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides standardized training and certification for construction professionals.
American Welding Society (AWS) - Resources and certifications for welding, a key skill for millwrights.
Millwrights' Practical Guide - A comprehensive book on plant machinery and maintenance.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Safety training and guidelines for working in industrial environments.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.