Millwright
A Millwright is a skilled tradesperson dedicated to the installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment in various industrial settings, including factories, power plants, and construction sites. These professionals work with a diverse array of machinery, employing both hand and power tools to carry out their tasks effectively. The work environment is often challenging, characterized by noise, dirt, and potential hazards, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols. Millwrights typically enjoy hands-on work and collaboration with other tradespeople, often requiring critical thinking to troubleshoot and solve mechanical issues.
While formal education is not strictly necessary, a high school diploma or equivalent is commonly preferred, and technical training in related fields can enhance employability. Career prospects for millwrights are positive, with a predicted job growth rate of 13% due to increasing automation in the industry. Millwrights can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $61,170. This profession appeals to individuals who appreciate working outside of traditional office environments and value teamwork in problem-solving and machine operation.
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Subject Terms
Millwright
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Machinery, working with your hands, working with a team
Earnings (Yearly Median): $61,170 per year $29.41 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 13% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Millwrights are skilled workers who are responsible for the layout, installation, and maintenance of mechanical equipment at factories, mills, power plants, and construction sites. Millwrights work closely with an assortment of machines, which they install, dismantle, repair, and move. They use a broad range of tools and vehicles to perform their job, including large power tools, small hand tools, and forklifts. They also work with managers to determine the best, most efficient location for a particular machine.
Work Environment. Millwrights work in a variety of locations—most commonly, power plants, factories, and construction sites. These environments are typically dirty and noisy and contain many potential hazards, so millwrights have to be careful and closely follow safety standards. The machinery is dangerous as well. Millwrights sometimes have to perform their job in uncomfortable positions, such as kneeling, crouching, or bending.
Occupation Interest. The millwright profession tends to attract highly skilled workers who enjoy using their hands outside of an office environment. Millwrights should enjoy collaborating with other workers to ensure a machine is handled correctly. They must also be critical thinkers with the ability to figure out repair issues on a variety of different machines and adapt to the different tasks involved. Millwrights enter the profession from an assortment of different backgrounds.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A millwright’s day-to-day duties and responsibilities vary depending on the job location and the type of equipment being worked on. Millwrights spend the majority of their time installing, dismantling, repairing, and moving a variety of machines in power plants, factories, and construction sites. Throughout the day, they communicate and collaborate with managers and other millwrights. They work closely with technical specifications and machinery blueprints to ensure jobs are performed correctly.
When a machine is in need of repairs, a millwright must first determine the source of the problem. They use a variety of tools to replace defective parts or make necessary adjustments and alignments. After repairs and adjustments are performed, the millwright tests the machine and observes its functioning. When a site is installing a new machine, a millwright helps determine the best location for it in terms of efficiency and safety. If an old machine is being replaced, the millwright disassembles it to free up floor space for the replacement.
Before the new machine is installed, a millwright must assess whether steel beams need to be put in to support the machine. Forklifts and cranes are frequently used when installing new machines. Safety and clearance standards need to be followed during the entire installation and disassembly process. Protective clothing items such as boots, gloves, and hard hats are commonly worn. It is typical for a millwright to work under a contract, so they may only be at one location for a few days.
Machinery Erectors (638.261-014). Machinery Erectors erect and test machinery and heavy equipment according to blueprints and specifications.
Manufacturer’s Service Representatives (638.261-018).Manufacturer’s Service Representatives install and repair machinery or equipment in the customer’s establishment, following blueprint and manufacturer instructions and applying knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical machinery.
Maintenance Mechanics (638.281-014). Maintenance Mechanics repair and maintain, in accordance with diagrams, sketches, operations manuals, and manufacturer's specifications, machinery and mechanical equipment such as engines, motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machines and equipment.
Machine Assemblers (638.361-010). Machine Assemblers put together machines and equipment such as stokers, blowers, and compression pumps according to customers’ needs.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of a millwright varies depending on the job. The most common environments include factories, power plants, and construction sites. These locations are typically noisy and dirty and pose hazards that can cause serious injury.
Plant Environment. Millwrights who are employed at factories, production and power plants, and mills are typically employed full-time and are responsible for the inspection, installation, and maintenance of all machinery on-site.
Human Environment. Millwrights perform alongside other workers in the construction and manufacturing industries, including managers, machine operators, engineers, and other millwrights. Depending on the location, millwrights may work with professionals in a power plant or factory as well. Communication is essential for ensuring a job is done safely and correctly.
Technological Environment. Millwrights employ a variety of hand tools, including hammers, levels, and tools for welding and cutting. Measuring tools such as micrometers and lasers are used to precisely measure machine parts. For larger jobs, cranes, hoists, and forklifts may be used to move machine parts. Millwrights involved in the design process may also use computed aided design (CAD) software like Autodesk AutoCAD or Dassault Systemes SolidWorks.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. There are no specific education requirements to become a millwright, but employers may require an applicant to have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate. There are many basic and advanced high school courses that would benefit a student interested in the profession, including mathematics, mechanical drawing, and any courses related to mechanics. Some high schools have machine shops where students can learn the fundamentals of basic machinery function and repair.
Postsecondary. Millwrights are not typically required to have a college degree, but it can be useful to have a strong educational background in related subjects, such as mechanical and electrical engineering and mathematics. Many technical schools also offer programs in industrial maintenance; such programs generally feature both formal classroom instruction and hands-on training in an assortment of machine-related tasks, including blueprint reading, welding, and shop mathematics. These programs, which typically last from a few months to a year, provide students with a solid background in machine repair, industrial mechanics, and standard safety practices. In addition, technical schools sometimes offer job placement programs, and they are also a great place to network with more experienced professionals in the industry. An employer is more likely to hire an individual who has completed a relevant program. Some individuals may begin their careers working as shophands or laborers and eventually earn the opportunity to become millwrights through an apprenticeship offered by their employers.
Experts predicted faster than average growth for millwrights, as well as industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers. The continued adoption of automated machines was predicted to create about 53,000 jobs for these workers annually from 2022 to 2032.
Related Occupations
− Computer-Control Machine Tool Operator
− Riveter
Bibliography
Hilscher, David. "Millwright Jobs, Wages, and Career Info." Reliance Foundry, 10 Nov. 2021, www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/millwright-jobs-wages. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Millwrights." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/49-9044.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 49-9044 Millwrights.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024 www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499044.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.