Millwright
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings. Federal job definition
How people get into it
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists apprenticeship as the typical training for this job.
Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about 4 years.
Most millwrights learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship.
For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of relevant technical instruction and up to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
- Typical education to start
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Typical training on the job
- Apprenticeship
Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.
What it pays
Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median pay by state (48 states)
| State | Median pay | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,410 | 1,400 |
| Alaska | $76,940 | 300 |
| Arizona | $57,380 | 450 |
| Arkansas | $56,310 | 1,140 |
| California | $77,950 | 2,230 |
| Colorado | $81,440 | 200 |
| Connecticut | $76,810 | 110 |
| Delaware | $58,770 | 90 |
| Florida | $62,000 | 530 |
| Georgia | $62,760 | 1,780 |
| Idaho | $64,710 | 410 |
| Illinois | $66,640 | 2,160 |
| Indiana | $77,140 | 1,760 |
| Iowa | $62,220 | 690 |
| Kansas | $79,690 | 840 |
| Kentucky | $70,610 | 1,220 |
| Louisiana | $66,080 | 1,080 |
| Maine | $68,220 | 350 |
| Maryland | $59,220 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $65,220 | — |
| Michigan | $89,190 | 2,900 |
| Minnesota | $78,570 | 480 |
| Mississippi | $58,280 | 1,280 |
| Missouri | $66,480 | 830 |
| Montana | $60,050 | 70 |
| Nebraska | $60,320 | 590 |
| Nevada | $63,040 | 150 |
| New Hampshire | $76,190 | 80 |
| New Jersey | $107,540 | 340 |
| New Mexico | $90,230 | 60 |
| New York | $79,560 | 1,000 |
| North Carolina | $62,990 | 700 |
| North Dakota | $60,750 | 170 |
| Ohio | $73,220 | 1,930 |
| Oklahoma | $50,950 | 510 |
| Oregon | $70,700 | 460 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,410 | 1,700 |
| South Carolina | $61,700 | 950 |
| South Dakota | $61,820 | 240 |
| Tennessee | $61,810 | 1,060 |
| Texas | $62,630 | 3,540 |
| Utah | $63,040 | 220 |
| Vermont | $64,180 | 60 |
| Virginia | $51,430 | 690 |
| Washington | $76,490 | 1,020 |
| West Virginia | $67,270 | 330 |
| Wisconsin | $82,630 | 1,220 |
| Wyoming | $62,780 | 130 |
Job outlook
- People in this job
- 40,700
- Openings each year
- 3,200projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
- Change in jobs
- +0.9%expected to grow 0.9%, 2025–35
Where these numbers come from
Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.