What is the average millwright salary in 2025?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $61,000 for millwrights. Precision millwrights in high-demand markets — automotive plants in Michigan, petrochemical facilities in Texas and Louisiana — consistently earn $75,000–$95,000. Union millwrights in strong union markets often earn $85,000–$105,000 including benefits and pension.
The millwright trade covers a wide range of work complexity. General industrial millwrights who install basic conveyor systems earn significantly less than precision alignment specialists who bring laser alignment tools and vibration analysis expertise to critical rotating equipment in refineries and automotive plants. Certification and demonstrated experience with specific equipment types are the primary compensation drivers.
Millwright salary by certification and specialty
| Specialty / Certification | Typical Annual Earnings | Market |
|---|---|---|
| General Industrial Millwright | $52,000 – $65,000 | Light manufacturing, general plant |
| NCCER Millwright (Certified) | $62,000 – $78,000 | Industrial process, petrochemical |
| Precision Alignment Specialist | $72,000 – $92,000 | Rotating equipment, refineries |
| Automotive Millwright | $68,000 – $88,000 | Assembly plant retooling |
| Rigging + Millwright | $75,000 – $95,000 | Heavy lift and machinery relocation |
| Union Journeyman (Automotive) | $85,000 – $110,000+ | Michigan, Indiana — total package |
| Turbine / Compressor Specialist | $80,000 – $105,000 | LNG, petrochemical rotating equipment |
Automotive vs. petrochemical millwright markets
Automotive plant millwright work is characterized by predictable annual shutdown cycles tied to model-year changeovers — typically 2–4 weeks in late summer. Large numbers of millwrights are needed simultaneously for die changes, equipment relocation, and alignment work. Petrochemical millwright work is more continuous but also spikes during planned turnarounds. Both markets pay similarly but require different specializations.
Automotive clients (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Toyota) need millwrights who understand stamping dies, transfer presses, and robotic welding cell installation. Petrochemical clients need millwrights with rotating equipment experience — centrifugal pumps, compressors, turbines — and comfort in classified environments. Agencies that distinguish these sub-markets in their content capture both buyer types. See millwright staffing agency marketing and Michigan millwright staffing.
Millwright salary by state
| State | Median Annual Wage | Top of Market |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $72,000 | $105,000+ (automotive, union) |
| Illinois | $75,000 | $100,000 (union, food processing) |
| Texas | $65,000 | $95,000 (petrochemical rotating equipment) |
| Louisiana | $62,000 | $90,000 (refinery rotating equipment) |
| Indiana | $68,000 | $95,000 (automotive, steel) |
| Ohio | $64,000 | $88,000 (automotive, manufacturing) |