Millwright career

What millwrights do

• 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.

The most important tasks, as rated by workers in the occupation. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Job outlook

BLS projects millwright jobs will grow 0.9% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% for all U.S. jobs, with about 3,200 openings a year as people join, retire, and change careers.

Jobs in 2025

40,700

Projected for 2035

41,000

Openings a year

3,200

Self-employed

not published

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035. Job counts include self-employed workers.

Training

Typical education to start

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in a related job

None

Typical on-the-job training

Apprenticeship

Source: BLS Employment Projections. Licensing rules vary by state; confirm with your state's licensing board.

Top-paying states

All 48 states, ranked by millwright pay

Top-paying metro areas

The top 20 metro areas for millwright pay

Other trades