Millwrights
SOC Code: 49-9044
Millwrights carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $65,170 and 0.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 41,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 15% AI exposure, Millwrights sits 22 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 2% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Millwrights sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Millwrights has ai exposure of 15%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Millwrights vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Millwrights is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Millwrights (SOC 49-9044) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 41,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a 0.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $65,170, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Millwrights. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- 2. Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
- 5. Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.
- 6. Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- 7. Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
- 8. Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
- 9. Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.
- 10. Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
Key Skills Required
- Installation
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Repairing
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Millwrights?
Millwrights has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Millwrights?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Millwrights is projected to grow by 0.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 41,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Millwrights?
Key skills for Millwrights include Installation, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Millwrights earn?
The median annual wage for Millwrights is $65,170, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Millwrights?
The typical entry-level education for Millwrights is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Millwrights?
Millwrights roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).