Millwrights
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Also called: Automated Equipment Engineer, Automated Equipment Engineering Technician (Automated Equipment Engineering Tech), Automated Equipment Technician (Automated Equipment Tech), Automobile Equipment Engineer Technician (Auto Equipment Engineer Tech), Automobile Equipment Technician Engineer (Auto Equipment Tech Engineer), Construction Millwright
Median pay
$65,700
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,290 – $93,600
People employed
40,330
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
Millwrights pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What millwrights do
- 01Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- 02Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
- 03Insert 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.
- 04Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
- 05Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
- 06Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from millwrights
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers84% · 0%
- Boilermakers82% · +16%
- Rail Car Repairers81% · +3%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers80% · −18%
- Machinists79% · −11%
Change into millwrights
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Electricians87% · $42,670
- Rail Car Repairers85% · $67,530
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers82% · $53,710
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators82% · $70,070
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers81% · $65,380
Majors that lead here
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.