Machinists vs Millwrights

Both machinists and millwrights are skilled trades with solid earning potential, but they serve different roles in manufacturing and industry. Machinists focus on precision manufacturing, operating CNC machines and lathes to create exact parts and components. They earn a median of $56,150 with strong 8.3% growth projected over ten years. Millwrights specialize in installing, moving, and maintaining heavy industrial machinery, earning higher at $65,170 median salary but with slower 5.4% growth. Machinists typically work in machine shops and manufacturing facilities, while millwrights travel between job sites for equipment installations and major repairs.

Millwrights have the salary advantage with a median of $65,170 versus machinists at $56,150 – that's $9,020 more annually. Entry-level machinists start around $35,000-40,000, while experienced professionals can reach $75,000+, especially with CNC programming skills. Millwrights typically start at $40,000-45,000 but can earn $85,000+ with experience and specializations. Both trades offer excellent overtime opportunities. Millwrights often see premium pay for travel assignments and emergency repairs, while machinists can boost earnings through precision work certifications and programming skills.

Machinists primarily work indoors in climate-controlled machine shops and manufacturing facilities with regular schedules. The work involves standing for long periods, precision hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail, but physical demands are moderate. Millwrights face more varied conditions – from factory floors to construction sites, often working outdoors in all weather. They handle heavy lifting, climbing, and extensive travel between job sites. Both trades require safety consciousness around heavy machinery, but millwrights face more varied hazards due to construction-like environments and rigging heavy equipment.

Machinists can advance into CNC programming, quality control, or shop supervision, with some becoming manufacturing engineers or starting custom machining businesses. Specializing in aerospace, medical devices, or precision tooling opens higher-paying niches. Millwrights often progress to crew leadership, project management, or field supervision roles. Many become independent contractors or start rigging companies. Both trades offer entrepreneurial opportunities, but millwrights typically have higher earning ceilings through specialized industrial services, while machinists find stability in consistent manufacturing demand and can leverage programming skills into technical roles.

Both are excellent careers with strong futures. Choose machining for precision work, steady schedules, and tech advancement. Choose millwright for higher pay, variety, and big mechanical challenges. Your personality and lifestyle preferences matter more than the salary difference.