Millwrights
Career Overview
Career Description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Industry: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Other Job Titles for Millwrights:
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Machinists
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Personality Profile
- Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
- Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
- Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
- Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
- Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
Common Work Tasks
- Replace defective parts of machine or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- Align machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, and plumb bobs.
- Connect power unit to machines or steam piping to equipment, and test unit to evaluate its mechanical operation.
- Repair and lubricate machines and equipment.
- Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- Position steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment, using blueprints and schematic drawings, to determine work procedures.
- Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
- 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.
- Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
- Attach moving parts and subassemblies to basic assembly unit, using hand tools and power tools.
- Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
- Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.
- Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.
- Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.
- Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
- Shrink-fit bushings, sleeves, rings, liners, gears, and wheels to specified items, using portable gas heating equipment.
- Dismantle machinery and equipment for shipment to installation site, usually performing installation and maintenance work as part of team.
- Construct foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials such as wood, cement, and steel.
- Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant.
- Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
- Lubricate door closer oil chambers and pack spindles with leather washers.
- Install dock seals, bumpers, and shelters.
- Fabricate replacements for worn or broken parts, using welders, lathes, drill presses, and shaping and milling machines.
- Clean door closer parts, using caustic soda, rotary brushes, and grinding wheels.
- Cover treadles with carpeting or other floor covering materials and test systems by operating treadles.
- Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.
- Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.
- Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.
- Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations; perform minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.
- Hang steel supports from beams or joists to hold hoses, vents, and gas pipes in place.
- Disassemble and reinstall existing kitchen cabinets, or assemble and install prefabricated kitchen cabinets and trim in conjunction with appliance installation.
- Inspect batteries for structural defects such as dented cans, damaged carbon rods and terminals, and defective seals.
- Steam-clean polishing and buffing wheels to remove abrasives and bonding materials, and spray, brush, or recoat surfaces as necessary.
- Test battery charges, and replace or recharge batteries as necessary.
- Repair and operate battery-charging equipment.
- Add water or acid to battery cell solutions to obtain specified concentrations.
- Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, shovels, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels.
- Seal joints with putty, mortar, and asbestos, using putty extruders and knives.
- Hammer out dents and twists in tools and equipment.
Emerging Tasks
- Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
- Fabricate and dismantle parts, equipment, and machines using a cutting torch or other cutting equipment.
- Troubleshoot problem equipment, electrical components, hydraulics, and other mechanical systems.
- Weld, repair, and fabricate various equipment and machinery.
- Unlock cars and other vehicles.
- Order bicycle parts.
- Sell bicycles and accessories.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- adhere to safety procedures
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- conduct performance testing
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine project methods and procedures
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- drive truck with capacity greater than 3 tons
- erect scaffold
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- inspect electrical installation for code conformance
- install electrical conduit or tubing
- install electrical fixtures or components
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
- install generating plant equipment
- install industrial machinery or related heavy equipment
- install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
- install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
- install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
- lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
- maintain or repair work tools or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- move materials or goods between work areas
- move or fit heavy objects
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- operate lathes
- operate pneumatic test equipment
- perform detailed welding techniques
- perform hydraulic plumbing
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- plan or organize work
- position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
- program computer numerical controlled machines
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read specifications
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- set up computer numerical control machines
- signal directions or warnings to coworkers
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- test mechanical products or equipment
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- use arc welding equipment
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use combination welding procedures
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use control or regulating devices to adjust or maintain industrial machinery
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use high voltage apparatus
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use pressure gauges
- use robotics systems technology
- use soldering equipment
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- work as a team member
- use building materials for routine building maintenance
- use combination welding procedures
- use control or regulating devices to adjust or maintain industrial machinery
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use high voltage apparatus
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of ventilation systems
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
- use pipe fitting equipment
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use precision tools in electronics repair
- use pressure gauges
- use soldering equipment
- use tube bending equipment
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
Tools & Technology Used on the Job
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Allen wrenches
- Angled feeler gauges
- Arbor presses
- Arc welders
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Ball peen hammers
- Bandsaws
- Bearing heaters
- Bearing pullers
- Belt sanders
- Bevel protractors
- Block and tackle equipment
- Box end wrenches
- Brass hammers
- Bucket pumps
- Cable cutters
- Carpenters' levels
- Center punches
- Chain cutters
- Chain falls
- Chain hoists
- Chain wrenches
- Chipping hammers
- Claw hammers
- Cold chisels
- Combination squares
- Combination wrenches
- Comealongs
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Core drills
- Crowbars
- Cutoff saws
- Cylinder hones
- Dead-blow hammers
- Depth gauges
- Depth micrometers
- Diagonal cutters
- Dial calipers
- Dial indicators
- Dies
- Dividers
- Dollies
- Drafting compasses
- Drift pins
- Drill presses
- Electronic levels
- End mills
- Filler pumps
- Flare nut wrenches
- Flat files
- Forklifts
- Gage blocks
- Gasket cutters
- Gas-powered generators
- Gear lube dispensers
- Gear pullers
- Gear shapers
- Grease guns
- Hammer drills
- Hand clamps
- Hand files
- Handtrucks
- Height gauges
- Hoisting hooks
- Hole punches
- Honing stones
- Hydraulic cranes
- Hydraulic jacks
- Hydraulic press frames
- Hydraulic pumps
- Inside calipers
- Inside micrometers
- Inspection mirrors
- Jig saws
- Keyway broaches
- Ladders
- Laser levels
- Layout templates
- Lubrication guns
- Magnetic drill presses
- Material-hoisting slings
- Measuring tapes
- Metal inert gas MIG welders
- Micrometers
- Microsoft Office
- Needlenose pliers
- Nibblers
- Nut splitters
- Optical squares
- Outside calipers
- Outside micrometers
- Overhead cranes
- Overhead hoists
- Oxyacetylene torches
- Packing pullers
- Parallel blocks
- Personal computers
- Pipe cutters
- Pipe threading machines
- Pipe wrenches
- Planing machines
- Plasma welders
- Plumb bobs
- Pneumatic needle scalers
- Pneumatic weld flux chippers
- Power chippers
- Power drills
- Power grinders
- Power saws
- Precision levels
- Press brakes
- Prick punches
- Protective ear muffs
- Protractors
- Pry bars
- Pulleys
- Putty knives
- Pyrometers
- Radius gauges
- Ratchet jacks
- Reamers
- Respirators
- Retaining ring pliers
- Rivet guns
- Round files
- Safety goggles
- Scaffolding
- Scissors
- Scrapers
- Screw jacks
- Scribers
- Shaft key wrenches
- Sharpening tools
- Sheave gauges
- Shrink rules
- Small hole gauges
- Snap gauges
- Snap ring pliers
- Socket sets
- Soft face hammers
- Soldering guns
- Soldering irons
- SolidWorks CAD
- Spanner wrenches
- Spiral screw extractors
- Spot welding equipment
- Steel hammers
- Steel squares
- Straightedges
- Strap wrenches
- Stroboscopes
- Surface grinders
- Table saws
- Tachometers
- Tap extractors
- Taper gauges
- Taper plug gauges
- Taps
- Teach pendants
- Telescoping gauges
- Tension indicators
- Thread gauges
- Tin snips
- Torque multipliers
- Torque wrenches
- Trammel points
- Transfer pumps
- Transfer punches
- Transformer welding machines
- Transit levels
- Tube cutters
- Tuggers
- Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
- Turning lathes
- Ultrasonic thickness detectors
- Utility knives
- Vernier calipers
- Vertical milling machines
- Vibration indicators
- Water levels
- Welding electrode holders
- Welding gloves
- Welding ground clamps
- Welding shields
- Wire brushes
- Workshop vises
- Welding masks
- Wheel alignment machines
- Wheel balancing machines
- Wheel weight hammers
- Winches
- Wire brushes
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Workshop cranes
- Workshop presses
- Taper punches
- Taps
- Tech manual database software
- Test lights
- Timing lights
- Tire pressure gauges
- Tongue and groove pliers
- Torque wrenches
- Torx keys
- Torx screwdrivers
- Tubing benders
- Tubing cutters
- Two way radios
- Ultrasonic diagnostic kits
- Vacuum gauges
- Valve seating equipment
- Vehicle management software
- Vises
- Voltmeters
- Welding masks
- Wheel balancing equipment
- Winches
- Wire brushes
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Workshop cranes
- Wrenches
Education, Training & Experience
Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Salary & Wages
- Average hourly wage (2007) -$22.16
- Average annual wage (2007) - $46,090.00
Projected Employment Growth
- Projected growth (2006-2016): 5.79%
- Projected need (2006-2016): 3,178
- Employment (2006): 54,884
Related Occupations
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Machinists
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
- Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers




