Millwright Salary 2025: $65,700 Median, Slow Growth Ahead
The median millwright salary in the U.S. is $65,700 per year, according to May 2023 BLS data. The top 10% earn over $93,600, while the bottom 10% make $46,290 or less. Mean hourly pay works out to about $32. The occupation employs roughly 40,330 workers nationwide.
How much Millwrights earn
Millwright pay scales with experience, location, and industry. The national average (mean) wage is $69,780, or roughly $33.55 an hour. The typical range spans from the 10th percentile at $46,290 to the 90th percentile at $93,600.
Industries that pay above average include manufacturing, utilities, and construction. Overtime and prevailing-wage jobs on union sites can push earnings significantly higher—some experienced millwrights report $100,000+ in busy years.
- Median annual wage: $65,700
- Mean annual wage: $69,780 ($33.55/hr)
- 10th percentile: $46,290
- 90th percentile: $93,600
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot for millwright pay. The highest-paying state is New Jersey, with an average salary of $107,540. Other top states: New Mexico ($90,230), Michigan ($89,190), Wisconsin ($82,630), and Colorado ($81,440). These states tend to have strong manufacturing bases or union presence.
Lower-paying states include Arkansas ($56,310), Virginia ($51,430), and Oklahoma ($50,950). Regional cost of living partly explains the gap, but millwrights in high-pay states can earn nearly double their counterparts in low-pay states.
How to become a Millwright
The standard route is a 4-year apprenticeship, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices typically start at 40-50% of journeyman wages, with raises every 6-12 months. No college degree is required, but a high school diploma or GED is mandatory.
Many apprenticeships are sponsored by trade unions (like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters) or contractor associations. Some technical schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs that teach basic machining, welding, and blueprint reading. After completing an apprenticeship, millwrights may pursue voluntary certifications, such as the NCCER Millwright certification, to improve job prospects.
- Complete a 4-year apprenticeship (union or employer-sponsored)
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Gain skills in welding, rigging, and mechanical systems
- Consider voluntary certifications like NCCER or AWS
Job outlook
BLS projects zero employment growth for millwrights from 2024 to 2034, a rate classified as slower than average. However, about 3,600 openings are expected each year over the decade, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. That means opportunities will exist, but the market won't expand.
Industries like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing may offer some new positions, but automation and outsourcing continue to limit growth. Millwrights who are willing to travel for shutdown work or who earn multiple certifications will have the best chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average millwright salary in 2025?
The median annual wage is $65,700. The mean (average) is $69,780, about $33.55 per hour, per BLS data from May 2023.
How do I become a millwright?
Complete a 4-year apprenticeship, which combines paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. No college degree is needed, but you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Is millwright a good career for the future?
It is stable but not growing. BLS projects 0% growth through 2034, with about 3,600 annual openings due to retirements. Skilled millwrights will still find work, especially in high-paying states or industries.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Millwrights data.