Millwright Salary Guide and Career Resources


If you're considering a career in the skilled trades, becoming a Millwright can be an interesting and rewarding option. Some of the first questions a person may ask, is how much does a Millwright make, how do I become a Millwright and how long does it take to become a Millwright? To get started, explore the resources below to learn how much does a Millwright make and the different pathways to become a Millwright. 

Millwright Salary

Millwrights can enjoy competitive salaries, which can vary based on several factors. The average salary of a millwright typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,0001 per year in the United States. However, there are several factors that can influence the salary of a millwright, such as experience level, geographic location, industry, and specific job responsibilities.

The factors that can influence the salary of a Millwright

  • Training and Experience: As with other skilled trades jobs, millwrights with more experience, training and certifications tend to have higher salaries. For instance, an entry-level or millwright apprentice may earn a salary in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 or more per year. However, with additional years of experience and training, a journeyman millwright could see their salary increase to $80,000 or more annually. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for estimates of the average salary of a millwright of various skill levels and locations.
  • Geographic Location: A millwrights salary can be significantly impacted by the city and state that they live in. For example, certain areas with higher costs of living or increased demand for millwrights may offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled journeyman millwright.
  • Industry and Job Responsibilities: Millwrights can work in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, maintenance and repair of complex machinery. The industry in which they are employed in can influence a millwrights hourly wage. Furthermore, specific job responsibilities such as working with complex mechanical equipment, specialized materials, advanced techniques, or work in hazardous environments may allow a millwright to earn a higher salary due to the increased skill and certification requirement.

Union Apprentice and Journeyman Millwright Salary Examples

The following websites provide examples of the salary and benefits of a union journeyman millwright and apprentice millwright. Also, a millwright apprentice typically receives pay increases as they progress through their apprenticeship program and become a journeyman millwright.

Central Illinois Builders of AGC.  Millwrights local 1693 Lisle, Illinois - Select Labor>Wage addendums - www.cibagc.org

Eastern Millwright Regional Council. Local 443 wage rates - www.easternmillwrights.com

How to Become a Millwright

The steps to take to become a journeyman millwright typically includes a combination of training and practical experience. Here's an overview of the steps to pursue a career as a millwright.

Steps to take to become a Millwright

  • Education: The minimum requirement for entry into the millwright career field is a high school diploma of equivalent. However, completing training from a trade school or a millwright apprenticeship program can improve your ability in obtaining a rewarding millwright job. Furthermore, these structured training programs offer comprehensive training in assembling and moving large machinery, mechanical equipment, welding, pneumatics, hydraulics, blueprint reading, OSHA standards and safety procedures. Therefore, completing a millwright apprenticeship or attending a trade school can set you on the right path of an interesting and rewarding millwright career.
  • Millwright Apprenticeship: Joining a millwright apprenticeship program is a common pathway for an entry level millwright apprentice. Also, these programs provide a structured combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training under the guidance of experienced journeyman millwright. A millwright apprenticeship typically can last 4-5 years and provides valuable training and experience. For this reason, becoming a millwright apprentice is a great way to get started in a rewarding millwright job. For more information on how to become a millwright apprentice visit the following websites - www.carpenters.org and www.ubcmillwrights.org
  • Certifications: Additional training and certifications in rigging, signaling, vibration analysis, welding or in the repair and installation of advanced computer operated mechanical equipment may needed for certain work locations. These credentials demonstrate proficiency and can open up additional opportunities for advancement and can increase a journeyman millwright salary.

Explore our Millwright career guide

Explore our Millwright career guide to further help you get started in a rewarding career as a Millwright. Learn what a millwright is, explore ways to become a millwright and search millwright jobs in your area.
Millwright Career Guide

It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

It's a great time to become a millwright! A skilled trades career as a millwright offers both stable employment and competitive salaries within the skilled trades and construction industry. Furthermore, the average salary of a millwright provides a solid foundation for earning a livable income, with opportunities for growth as experience and skills increase. The demand for millwrights remains strong and continues to grow every year making it an exciting and potentially rewarding career choice.  
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