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Millwright vs industrial mechanic

The differences between millwrights and industrial mechanics 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 an industrial mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an industrial mechanic has an average salary of $53,333, which is higher than the $51,176 average annual salary of a millwright.

The top three skills for a millwright include hand tools, hoists and dismantle. The most important skills for an industrial mechanic are industrial maintenance, hand tools, and PLC.

Millwright vs industrial mechanic overview

MillwrightIndustrial Mechanic
Yearly salary$51,176$53,333
Hourly rate$24.60$25.64
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs102,942158,560
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4948
Years of experience62

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 an industrial mechanic do?

An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.

Millwright vs industrial mechanic salary

Millwrights and industrial mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

MillwrightIndustrial Mechanic
Average salary$51,176$53,333
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $72,000Between $39,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityLincoln, CAFremont, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaWest Virginia
Best paying companyCVR EnergyCalifornia Resources
Best paying industryFinanceTransportation

Differences between millwright and industrial mechanic education

There are a few differences between a millwright and an industrial mechanic in terms of educational background:

MillwrightIndustrial Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 45%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingIndustrial Technology
Most common college--

Millwright vs industrial mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between millwrights' and industrial mechanics' demographics:

MillwrightIndustrial Mechanic
Average age4948
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between millwright and industrial mechanic 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.
  • Show more

Industrial mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
  • Work on airport baggage conveyor systems including troubleshooting PLC problems
  • Used lathes, welding equipment, hoists and lifts.
  • Monitor comfort controls, fire safety, lighting, and HVAC equipment.
  • Have training in the Herzig arc flash electrical safety and PPE standards.
  • Correct electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, welding, and PLC problems.
  • Show more

Millwright vs industrial mechanic skills

Common millwright skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • Hoists, 8%
  • Dismantle, 8%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Cranes, 4%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Common industrial mechanic skills
  • Industrial Maintenance, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • PLC, 5%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 5%
  • HVAC, 3%
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting, 3%

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