A Career Guide: How to Become a Millwright

Ready to transform your problem-solving skills and passion for hands-on work into a rewarding career? Becoming a millwright provides specialized technical expertise that opens doors across multiple industries.

Whatever your academic or professional background, taking the next step toward becoming a millwright can help you build a thriving future. Our comprehensive career guide covers these need-to-know topics so you can determine if this is the right path for you:

• Job responsibilities
• Steps to become a millwright
• Salary outlook
• The value of a millwright career

Keep reading to learn more about working as a millwright and how Northampton Community College (NCC) can help you begin preparing for your career.

What Is a Millwright?

A millwright is a skilled tradesperson equipped with the technical expertise to
install, maintain, and dismantle heavy machinery and industrial equipment. They use their diverse skills, such as welding and brazing, to operate in a variety of different sectors, ranging from power plants to manufacturing.

While millwrights and industrial mechanics both work closely with complex machinery to ensure it runs safely and efficiently, they primarily specialize in assembling and setting up entire systems. On the other hand, industrial mechanics focus on repairing and maintaining machines.

What Does a Millwright Do?

Because millwrights’ work relates to many industries, the specifics may vary. Their primary goal is to assemble and disassemble machines and keep industrial operations running.

Throughout their training and cumulative experience, millwrights build an expansive skill set and execute the following day-to-day responsibilities:

• Install and assemble machinery according to blueprints, schematics, and manufacturer guidelines
• Inspect machinery and equipment for broken or worn components and diagnose mechanical issues
• Use equipment like micrometers and hydraulic torque wrenches to align and calibrate machinery with accuracy
• Use welding and other fabrication methods to modify or repair parts
• Comply with safety regulations

Regardless of their sector, millwrights embody strong mechanical and problem-solving skills to efficiently handle any mechanical or installation problems that arise. Additionally, working as a millwright is physically demanding and often requires lifting and climbing.

4 Steps to Become a Millwright

1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED®

Your first step toward becoming a millwright is completing your high school education or passing the General Educational Development (GED®) test. Building this academic foundation ensures you’re proficient in core subjects like English, math, and science—skills that support your educational and professional success. Most millwright training programs require either a diploma or GED® for enrollment.

2: Complete a Millwright Training Program

• Program completion time
• Enrollment options
• Tuition costs and fees
• Curriculum, including hands-on experiences, learning outcomes, etc.
• Industry/manufacturing partnerships

NCC’s Industrial Maintenance Millwright Program delivers a robust technical education that equips you with fundamental welding skills, electrical safety practices, and procedures for repair and fabrication. Through experiential learning opportunities, you graduate with an associate degree and are ready to work on production machinery, such as pneumatic and hydraulically controlled systems, robots, and plastic process equipment.

3. Secure an Apprenticeship

• Work under the supervision of experienced millwrights.
• Receive valuable on-the-job training to install, repair, and maintain industrial machinery.
• Earn a steady wage as you learn and build your skills.

You can find millwright apprenticeships through unions, trade organizations, or large employers.

4. Seek Out Professional Development Opportunities

Manufacturing and machinery are increasingly dependent on technology, so it is essential for you as a millwright to stay current with your career development. Whether you enroll in continuing education courses or join professional associations, taking these steps can deepen your industry knowledge and expand your network.

Additionally, while millwrights are not required to have certifications or licensures, pursuing other certifications, such as the OSHA Safety Certification or welding certifications, can make you a more competitive job candidate.

Ambitious millwrights who want to advance their careers in industrial maintenance and automation can obtain a second associate degree in Electromechanical Technology at NCC. From electrical fundamentals to fluid power, this hands-on program deepens your understanding of mechanical and electrical maintenance and industrial automation.

How Much Do Millwrights Earn?

As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), millwrights earn a median income of $61,170, which exceeds the national average of $48,060. Millwrights’ salaries can extend upward of $84,950, depending on their industry. Your level of education, experience, and even your state of employment can impact your earning potential. For instance, millwrights in Pennsylvania typically make $68,820.

Why Work as a Millwright?

• Increased job security: Because skilled trades are always in demand, working as a millwright ensures you have reliable employment and opportunities to pursue advanced roles. The BLS projects millwrights’ employment will increase by 15% over the next 10 years, creating 53,000 new jobs yearly.
• Rewarding hands-on work: As a millwright, you employ technical competencies and critical problem-solving as you work with tools and machinery to diagnose and resolve mechanical problems. Your job blends craftsmanship and ingenuity, creating a fulfilling occupation.
• Opportunities to specialize your expertise: Since millwrights’ work extends across industry lines, you can narrow your professional focus and gain advanced skills in robotics, energy, mining, and other disciplines.

Explore How NCC Can Help You Become a Millwright

Start your skilled trades career at NCC by pursuing an associate in applied science degree (AAS) at NCC. Our flexible, hands-on Industrial Maintenance Millwright Program provides real-world experience with industrial equipment while helping you build essential welding, electrical, and mechanical competencies.

Through personalized mentorship and practical training, you graduate with the expertise needed to install, repair, and maintain both manual and automated machinery—preparing you for a high-demand career in industrial maintenance.

Ready to become a Spartan? Review Northampton’s admissions information and contact us to learn more about NCC.