Millwright Salary in 2026
Install, dismantle, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
Median Salary
$62,000
$5,167/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$85,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Millwright Overview
Install, dismantle, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
48K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$29.81/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,167
Millwright Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Millwright salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Millwright Salary
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Millwright Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Millwright field.
Entry-level Millwrights earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $93,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Millwrights
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| Texas | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
| Michigan | $59,000 | $-3,000 |
| Ohio | $59,000 | $-3,000 |
| Louisiana | $57,000 | $-5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Millwrights
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Houston | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
| Detroit | $59,000 | $-3,000 |
| Cleveland | $58,000 | $-4,000 |
| Baton Rouge | $57,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Millwright Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Millwright from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$85,000
8-14 years
$102,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Millwright Salary FAQ
How much does a Millwright make in 2026?
The median salary for a Millwright in the United States is $62,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior professionals earn up to $85,000. Top earners in the field can make $102,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Millwright?
A Millwright typically requires a Apprenticeship with 4 years of experience. Key skills include Precision Alignment, Welding, Hydraulics. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Millwrights?
The job market for Millwrights is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 48K Millwright positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Millwrights the most?
The highest-paying states for Millwrights include Texas, Michigan, Ohio. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $61,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Millwright salary?
To increase your Millwright salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Precision Alignment and Welding. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 4 years of experience, you can progress from $42,000 to $85,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Millwright Salary
How we calculate Millwright salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $62,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Millwright in the Trades sector.
- Entry-level ($42,000) and senior-level ($85,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 48K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Trades sector wages.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $62,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Millwright compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Millwright job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Millwright salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Precision Alignment, Welding, Hydraulics), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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