Millwrights: Precision Mechanics on High Demand
Millwrights are tradespeople with a unique set of skills that are essential in the manufacturing, construction, and equipment maintenance industries. They are expert mechanics with the ability to assemble, install, dismantle, move and maintain heavy machinery in factories, power plants, sawmills, and other specialized facilities. Millwrighting is a challenging yet rewarding profession, with opportunities for skilled workers to progress and specialize within the field.
What do Millwrights do?
The primary responsibility of millwrights is to ensure that machinery and equipment operate efficiently and safely. They work with a variety of complex mechanical components, such as bearings, motors, gears, pumps, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Millwrights use precision tools such as micrometers, gauges, and levels to ensure that components are perfectly aligned and installed. They also read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics to diagnose and troubleshoot machinery problems.
Some examples of millwrights’ jobs include:
- Installing conveyor systems in a warehouse or factory
- Mounting heavy equipment to a concrete base in a manufacturing plant
- Assembling turbines and generators for a power plant
- Switching out large paper mill rolls after they have been used up
- Overhauling machines to keep them in good working order
- Repairing hydraulic systems in a sawmill
- And much more.
How to become a Millwright?
To become a millwright, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships usually take four years to complete and provide on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced millwrights. Apprentices must also complete classroom instruction in subjects such as machining, welding, and blueprint reading. They can learn their craft through a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and maintenance.
After finishing the apprenticeship, millwrights can further specialize in areas such as rotating equipment, maintenance, and rigging. Experienced millwrights also have opportunities to become supervisors or trainers and mentor the next generation of millwrights. In addition, millwrights can choose to specialize in certain industries like power plants or pulp and paper mills.
How to get started in the field of millwrighting?
To get started in the field of millwrighting, you can contact local millwright unions, construction contractors, or industrial maintenance companies. They can offer you an apprenticeship position or entry-level job that enables you to learn the necessary skills and gain hands-on experience. The job market for millwrights is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing demand in a variety of industries as manufacturing continues to grow and current workers retire.
Millwrighting is a high-tech, challenging, and rewarding profession that requires a unique combination of technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and problem-solving skills. It offers excellent job security, good wages, benefits, and opportunities to progress and specialize within the field. If you’re interested in a hands-on career that rewards attention to detail and problem-solving, a career as a millwright may be a great choice for you.
Millwrights are skilled technicians who install, maintain, and repair machinery in a variety of industries. Their job level can vary depending on experience and specialization, but the US National Average shows that they fall generally into Level 06 and are able to be leveled. Their salary data also varies depending on factors like level of experience, union status, and location.
According to the US National Average data, Millwrights earn an average of $56,118.40 annually at Level 06 and $65,312.00 for workers who are not able to be leveled. Entry-level Millwrights earn an average of $52,416.00 annually. Unionized Millwrights receive higher pay, with an average of $62,067.20 for all levels and $70,574.40 for those in unions. Nonunion Millwrights earn an average of $61,588.80 at all levels. Full-time Millwrights earn an average of $62,108.80 at all levels, with those at Level 06 averaging $56,118.40 and those who cannot be leveled averaging $65,499.20. Entry-level full-time Millwrights earn an average of $52,811.20 annually.
In addition, some Millwrights are paid based on time rather than salary. For this group, the US National Average shows an average pay of $61,630.40 annually for all levels and $58,780.80 for new workers.
Location also plays a role in Millwright salaries, with Ohio and North Carolina showing different averages. In Ohio, full-time Millwrights earn an average of $67,350.40 annually at all levels. In North Carolina, time-based pay Millwrights earn an average of $53,664.00 annually at all levels.
Unionization can also affect Millwrights’ pay, with unionized Millwrights earning more on average than their nonunion counterparts. However, the decision to unionize is up to individual workers and can depend on various factors including job security and benefits.
Overall, Millwrights perform important work across various industries and earn salaries that can vary based on several factors.
| Geography | Job Type | Level | Average Salary |
|———–|———-|——-|—————-|
| US National Average | All workers | Level 06 | $56,118.40 |
| US National Average | All workers | Not able to be leveled | $65,312.00 |
| US National Average | All workers | Entry | $52,416.00 |
| US National Average | Union | All levels | $62,067.20 |
| US National Average | Nonunion | All levels | $61,588.80 |
| US National Average | Full-time | All levels | $62,108.80 |
| US National Average | Full-time | Level 06 | $56,118.40 |
| US National Average | Full-time | Not able to be leveled | $65,499.20 |
| US National Average | Full-time | Entry | $52,811.20 |
| US National Average | Time-based pay | All levels | $61,630.40 |
| Ohio | Full-time | All levels | $67,350.40 |
| North Carolina | Time-based pay | All levels | $53,664.00 |
