Carpenters vs Millwrights

Both carpenters and millwrights offer solid blue-collar careers with similar growth prospects—carpenters at 5.2% and millwrights at 5.4% over the next decade. Millwrights edge out carpenters in median salary by $5,860 annually ($65,170 vs $59,310), representing a 9% difference. Carpenters focus on building and repairing wood structures and fixtures, working across residential and commercial construction. Millwrights specialize in installing, dismantling, and moving heavy machinery and equipment. Both require 3-4 year apprenticeships through the UBC, though millwrights demand stronger mechanical aptitude. Each trade offers stable employment, good benefits, and paths to higher earnings through specialization or business ownership.

Millwrights start with a $5,860 salary advantage, earning a median $65,170 versus carpenters' $59,310. Entry-level carpenters typically start around $35,000-40,000, while millwrights begin closer to $40,000-45,000. Experienced carpenters can reach $80,000-100,000+ in specialized areas like finish work or project management. Millwrights often hit $90,000-110,000+ with industrial experience. Both trades offer substantial overtime opportunities—millwrights especially during plant shutdowns and emergency repairs. Union positions in both trades typically pay 20-30% above non-union rates, with millwrights having stronger union presence in industrial settings.

Carpenters split time between indoor and outdoor work, from framing houses in weather to installing cabinets indoors. Physical demands include lifting, climbing, and precision handwork. Most work standard hours with occasional overtime. Millwrights primarily work indoors in manufacturing plants, power facilities, and industrial settings. They face more extreme conditions—high temperatures, confined spaces, working around massive machinery. Travel is common for millwrights, especially for equipment installations. Both trades carry injury risks, but millwrights face additional hazards from heavy equipment and industrial environments. Millwrights often work rotating shifts or emergency calls.

Carpenters can specialize in finish work, framing, restoration, or green building, with top specialists commanding premium rates. Many transition to general contracting, project management, or start their own construction companies. The residential market offers entrepreneurship opportunities. Millwrights advance to maintenance supervisors, plant engineers, or specialized machinery experts. They often move into industrial management or start equipment installation companies. Union leadership roles are common. Millwrights' specialized skills create opportunities in emerging industries like renewable energy. Both trades offer paths to six-figure incomes, though millwrights typically reach higher earning ceilings through industrial specialization.

Both are excellent careers with steady growth and good pay. Choose carpentry for creativity and building structures; choose millwright work for higher pay and mechanical complexity. Your interest in either construction or industrial machinery should guide your decision.