Millwrights
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Also called: Maintenance Mechanic · Maintenance Millwright · Millwright · Millwright Business Representative (Millwright Business Rep) · Millwright Foreman · Millwright General Foreman
Median pay (national)
$65,170
$45,100–$93,740 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
40,660
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
0%
~3,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for millwrights shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $93,740 versus $45,100 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $65,170 leaves roughly 44% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 48 states with released data, Michigan pays the most for this role (median $83,240, +28% vs the national median), while Virginia sits lowest at $50,300 — a 65% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.
- Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- SAP software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Design