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Millwright vs carpenter

The differences between millwrights and carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a millwright, becoming a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a millwright has an average salary of $51,176, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

The top three skills for a millwright include hand tools, hoists and dismantle. The most important skills for a carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and install windows.

Millwright vs carpenter overview

MillwrightCarpenter
Yearly salary$51,176$41,748
Hourly rate$24.60$20.07
Growth rate14%2%
Number of jobs102,9425,862
Job satisfaction-4.86
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4942
Years of experience612

What does a millwright do?

A millwright is responsible for maintaining and operating machinery from necessary to advanced systems. Millwrights install and upgrade machine components for optimization through analyzing blueprints and specifications. They calibrate machinery and run diagnostic tests to ensure all equipment's high-quality performance for safe and smooth operations. A millwright must adhere to the workplace's safety procedures all the time to prevent hazards and delays. A millwright must have a broad knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to set up equipment and repair defective machines.

What does a carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

Millwright vs carpenter salary

Millwrights and carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

MillwrightCarpenter
Average salary$51,176$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $72,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityLincoln, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNevadaNew Jersey
Best paying companyCVR EnergyArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryFinanceConstruction

Differences between millwright and carpenter education

There are a few differences between a millwright and a carpenter in terms of educational background:

MillwrightCarpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Millwright vs carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between millwrights' and carpenters' demographics:

MillwrightCarpenter
Average age4942
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 1.1% White, 81.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between millwright and carpenter duties and responsibilities

Millwright example responsibilities.

  • Used cranes, fork trucks, hoist pulleys, dollies and rollers to complete job properly and effectively.
  • Transport machine parts, tools, equipment and other material between work areas and storage using cranes, hoists or dollies.
  • Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts require during overhaul, maintenance or set-up of machinery.
  • Advance drafting and cnc programming.
  • Assign to FCC maintenance team.
  • Design and fabricate machinery moving dollies.
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Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
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Millwright vs carpenter skills

Common millwright skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Hoists, 8%
  • Dismantle, 8%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Cranes, 4%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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