Electricians vs Millwrights
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both electricians and millwrights are skilled trades offering stable careers with median salaries around $62,000-$65,000. Millwrights edge out slightly at $65,170 versus electricians' $62,350—a modest $2,820 difference. Both trades show healthy 10-year growth projections of 5.2-5.4%. Electricians focus on electrical systems in buildings—wiring, panels, fixtures—while millwrights specialize in heavy machinery installation and maintenance in industrial settings. Both require 4-5 year apprenticeships and strong technical skills. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer working with electrical systems in varied locations or heavy machinery in industrial environments.
Salary Breakdown
The $2,820 salary difference between millwrights ($65,170) and electricians ($62,350) is marginal—just 4.3%. Entry-level positions start around $35,000-$40,000 for both trades. Experienced electricians can earn $80,000-$100,000+, especially in commercial/industrial work or specialized areas like renewable energy. Millwrights top out similarly at $85,000-$110,000+ in heavy industry. Both trades offer substantial overtime opportunities—electricians during construction booms, millwrights during plant shutdowns. Geographic location significantly impacts both: industrial areas favor millwrights, growing metropolitan areas favor electricians.
Work Environment
Electricians work diverse environments—residential homes, office buildings, factories, outdoors on power lines. Travel varies by specialization, from local service calls to major construction projects. Millwrights primarily work in industrial facilities—manufacturing plants, power stations, refineries. They face more heavy lifting, working around massive machinery in often noisy, dusty conditions. Both trades carry safety risks—electrical shock versus crushing/pinch point hazards. Millwrights typically travel more for plant shutdowns and equipment installations. Both may work nights, weekends, and emergency calls, though millwrights often have more predictable industrial schedules.
Career Growth
Electricians can specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, or emerging fields like solar/EV charging stations. Many become electrical contractors, with business ownership very achievable. Advancement includes master electrician licenses, electrical engineering roles, or safety/training positions. Millwrights advance to lead positions, maintenance supervisors, or plant engineers. Some become specialized in specific equipment types or start rigging/machinery moving companies. Both trades offer project management paths. Electricians generally have broader entrepreneurial opportunities due to diverse market segments, while millwrights often achieve higher positions within industrial hierarchies and specialized technical roles.
Who should choose Electricians?
Choose electrician if you enjoy problem-solving varied electrical issues, want diverse work environments, and value entrepreneurial opportunities. Perfect for detail-oriented people who like troubleshooting, reading blueprints, and staying current with technology. Ideal if you want flexibility between residential service, commercial projects, or industrial work. Good fit if you prefer working independently or in small crews rather than large industrial teams. Strong choice for those interested in emerging technologies like smart homes, renewable energy, or electric vehicle infrastructure.
Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Explore Electricians →Who should choose Millwrights?
Choose millwright if you're mechanically inclined and enjoy working with heavy machinery and precision equipment. Perfect for those who like physical, hands-on work with tangible results. Ideal if you prefer industrial environments and don't mind travel for shutdowns or installations. Good fit for problem-solvers who enjoy the challenge of moving massive equipment in tight spaces. Strong choice if you want steady work in manufacturing, power generation, or heavy industry. Appeals to those who prefer working as part of larger maintenance teams rather than solo troubleshooting.
Typical path: UBC Millwright apprenticeship; strong mechanical aptitude required
Explore Millwrights →The Bottom Line
Both trades offer solid $60,000+ careers with good growth. Choose electrician for variety and entrepreneurial potential across multiple sectors. Choose millwright for specialized heavy machinery work in stable industrial settings. Your preference for work environment—diverse electrical systems versus industrial machinery—should drive your decision.