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Millwrights

The occupation Millwrights covers people who install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on troubleshooting, installation, and equipment maintenance. The job can ask you to replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts. Its interest code is RCI. Realistic leads at 7.0 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 3.6. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need helping, teaching or caring for people, it may feel thin.

What they do

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

Main tasks

  • Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
  • Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
  • Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.
  • Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
  • Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

Skills

  • Troubleshooting
  • Installation
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Repairing
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on troubleshooting and installation.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Maintenance Millwright
  • Millwright
  • Millwright Business Representative (Millwright Business Rep)
  • Millwright Foreman

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.