Millwright Salary in 2026
Install, dismantle, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
Median Salary
$65,700
$5,475/mo
Entry Level
$44,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$90,100
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Millwrights (SOC 49-9044) at a national median of $65,700 per year (mean $69,780), or $31.59 per hour, with 40,330 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Millwright Overview
Install, dismantle, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
40K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$31.59/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,475
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
$75,000
$6,250/month · $2,885/biweekly · $36.06/hr
Millwright Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Millwright field.
Entry-level Millwrights earn around $44,500, while the top 10% earn $99,100 or more.
Top Paying States for Millwrights
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $78,000 | +$12,300 |
| Texas | $64,000 | $-1,700 |
| Michigan | $62,000 | $-3,700 |
| Ohio | $62,000 | $-3,700 |
| Louisiana | $60,000 | $-5,700 |
Top Paying Cities for Millwrights
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $74,000 | +$8,300 |
| Houston | $65,000 | $-700 |
| Detroit | $62,000 | $-3,700 |
| Cleveland | $61,000 | $-4,700 |
| Baton Rouge | $60,000 | $-5,700 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Millwright Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Millwright from entry level to expert.
$44,500
0-2 years
$67,000
3-7 years
$90,100
8-14 years
$108,100
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 $65,700 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Millwrights (SOC 49-9044); the mean is $69,780. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $44,500, senior professionals around $90,100, and top earners at $108,100 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 40K 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 $64,000. 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 $44,500 to $90,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Millwright Salary
How we calculate Millwright salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Millwrights (SOC 49-9044), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $65,700, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Millwrights; BLS mean $69,780; BLS hourly median $31.59.
- Entry-level ($44,500) and senior-level ($90,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 40,330 Millwrights jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $65,700; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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