Millwrights

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

AI Resistance Index 86 of 99

Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 86% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it low), and US jobs are projected to change by +0.9% by 2035, slower than average. The work leans on physical dexterity and ethical judgement.

AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.

Median pay (2025): $65,700
Job growth to 2035: +0.9%
Openings a year: 3,200
People doing it (2025): 40,700
Usual route in: High school diploma, then an apprenticeship

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Where people already use AI for this work

Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
Communicate with others about operational plans or activities
Diagnose system or equipment problems

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Assemble equipment or components
Position materials or components for assembly
Position tools or equipment

What the work looks like

Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.
Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.
Insert shims, adjust tension on nuts and bolts, or position parts, using hand tools and measuring instruments, to set specified clearances between moving and stationary parts.
Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.
Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

More of these jobs, as automation in manufacturing increases demand for these workers to repair and service equipment.
Fewer of these jobs, as new manufacturing construction shifts away from the papermills to facilities which don't use as many millwrights.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +10.9%
FirefightersHuman edge, growing, Index 91, +3.7%
Aircraft mechanics and service techniciansHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +5.4%
Commercial diversHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +4.8%

Also known as: Maintenance Millwright, Millwright, Millwright Foreman, Millwright Instructor, Maintenance Mechanic, Millwright Business Representative (Millwright Business Rep), Millwright General Foreman, Precision Millwright.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.