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The differences between millwrights and 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 a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a millwright has an average salary of $51,176, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a millwright include hand tools, hoists and dismantle. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Millwright | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $51,176 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $24.60 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 102,942 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 49 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Millwrights and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Millwright | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $51,176 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $72,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lincoln, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | CVR Energy | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a millwright and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Millwright | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 45% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between millwrights' and mechanics' demographics:
| Millwright | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 49 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |