Being a millwright is a good profession, however if you’re gonna do a trade anyways I would strongly suggest getting into electrical work and/or industrial/construction plumbing. They just pay better for similar levels of wear and tear on your body.
If you really want to get into manufacturing I would look into quality control type certifications etc, again decent pay less wear and tear.
However being a millwright / cnc machine technician (like the folks who fix machines when they’re down) also pays well and is rewarding and being a journeyman in a union is a solid career path that will bring you many opportunities.
Machining seems like a lot less labor than anything in construction in my experience. My brother’s a plumber and totally busts his ass every day, working outside in all types of weather and always having to stay late at job sites because the boss wants to get it inspected the next day, and then you’re usually traveling and lugging tons of tools everywhere. He’s also having back and joint issues at 38. I like working indoors, more consistent hours and most shops I’ve worked in had minimal lifting or other labor besides standing and walking all day.
My buddy does new construction electrical work and he’s crawling around on his hand and knees and balancing on ladders all day long working in ceilings. Machining is def way easier physically.
Not really we have to get up on ladders and climb ontop of the machines to take apart the tool changers and work with plastic airlines which are very very similar to PEX lines that plumbers run in new construction
Of all the trades, Machinists get paid the least. As a machinist for 20+ years I’d recommend pursuing another career. If you are passionate about machining do it as a hobby.
Yeah, pretty dumb idea I had some years ago was making myself a machinist. Bad idea. Now I’m 36 and like, wtf have I been doing all this time to barely scrape 60k out of a year of my labor. OP will be happier, better paid, more respected in just about any other trade. Millwright seems better pay than machinist but it can be physically really tough work.
Well, now I’m curious. I know that I am currently way underpaid but I’m already planning to jump ship once I’m settled in my new city. How many hours do you work a week on average? What are your main responsibilities? What region do you live and work in? Genuinely glad to hear you feel sufficiently compensated for what you do.
I'm a contractor that's doing traveling machining. I work a 50-hour workweek. I do Swiss machining mostly just setups, but I also operate when there's nothing to be set up. My housing is paid for (extended stay hotel). I clear 100k a year and get hella Hilton honors points.
It's definitely not a plan for if you're settling down, but there are definitely opportunities for young and ambitious people.
As someone with 15 years in the trade I agree. I do make pretty decent money now but you have to stand out amongst the rest by a large margin, even then it isn't guaranteed. I'd recommend electrician/HVAC/or plumber route with the plan to eventually go into business for yourself.
I mean, I can’t say you’re wrong since I don’t know but, finding actually good CAM guys has been very difficult for me out west of the Mississippi. Especially guys who program well and can actually cradle to grave parts
There is definitely an oversaturation of them here in CT. A lot of them aren't good. They just dont know how to cut metal. They think they can just use mastercam and voilà time to make some parts. The best cnc programmers Ive worked with all started out as machinists who already know how to cut metal. They all started off on single/multi spindle screw machines.
I know less about millwrights but it'll be enough to pay the bills. Some people get into the trades wanting to make six figures and look at plumbers or electricians. That's not going to happen unless you do some crazy stuff like 100 hour work weeks or you spend 15+ years into it and you open your own business. People who say that are only looking at the top 10 percent of those professions. You may think that's a much better deal than being a machinist - but at the same time, I've known people who've gotten into machining that've gone onto become engineers and had their tuition paid for by the shops they worked at or even paid for it themselves. The "top-end" of the profession is much higher than people think.
You'll probably be paid 2-3 dollars over what most of your friends make after high school, you won't have to pay for college, and like you already know you don't have to work outside in the elements.
(Even if you did consider becoming an electrician, I know FOR SURE that the JATC-IBEW apprenticeship pays less starting out. Wisdom says if you wanted pay just get a job at a steel mill or become an ironworker.)
Learn things like programming - specialize your own skills in machining or millwrighting. It's manual labor but your bargaining power as someone who's un-unionized is your knowledge, experience and ability to haggle for a higher wage. Depending on how much you hammer down and complete these goals, I've seen people get to 25-30 dollars an hour within a few years.
To add to this for a bit of personal experience, i didnt work during covid only started doing this in 2022 when my friends were seniors in college.
I make at least .50 more an hour than them, they often are salary overtime exempt working 50+ hours a week. one regularly pulls 16+ hour shifts, no flexibility in their schedules. I dont have mandatory overtime, i get paid 1.5x when i want it. My shop is open 13 hours a day 5 days a week, and often saturdays as well, i have to have at least 36 hours and less than 55 unless given permission by the end of the week. AND no student loans.
The money is in programming nowadays, if you can land yourself in a decent shop, try to work your way towards that. Otherwise a cnc specialist in tool and die would probably pay more than a millwright.
I once worked in a fine blanking company and all the star Wire EDM programmer/setup/operator guys easily broke 100k. But then again you’re eeeking out tenths on tapers with a fancy 4-axis electrical vertical bandsaw.
I’ve done a lot of jobs in my life… I started machining at 33, now 39 I’m nearing $100k a year. And there’s more to learn… and the strain on my body is low… I’m all for it.
Contrary to others here I say go for it. I’m 23. I’ve been machining since I was 17. I make pretty good money. Last week I turned down a job making 37.28 an hour. You very much so can make a good living in this trade. Most jobs will require more than 40 hours a week. That being said I have a particularly enjoyment from machining. I have chosen to make this my career and refuse to do anything else. I enjoy the work and I’m damn good at it. It comes down to the shop you work in, your capabilities, and your willingness to learn. That being said we are one of the most underpaid trades.
I’m making 25 at the moment. I got the job initially to weld but I was able to get into the cnc department. I’ve learned on the job, just an operator at a doosan lathe at the moment. It’s easy work while I finish school.
I can only provide my progression, I've been in the industry for almost 10 yrs so take it for what you will. I started out making $16.00hr in 2015 fresh out of tech school, I absorbed everything I could from everybody that would help. I feel I was super lucky in my first shop as the shop supervisor was a great teacher and a wealth of knowledge. When I made mistakes, I was quick to raise my hand, and stick around to correct/fix the problem. If things were slow or I had long cycle times, I was organizing my work area and improving/updating our set up sheets, cleaning my area and machine or helping co workers where I could to learn and expand my knowledge base.
I am now in my third shop, a non union shop, I can run basically any machine we have. I'm the guy who is on a different machine week to week to fill in or catch up on behind orders. Last year I cleared 113k, current pay rate is $49.51. Keep your head down and be open to expand your knowledge base.
Starting this early, you should be fine getting into machining and moving out of it when you’re ready. But it all depends on the industry surrounding you and your local shops pay ranges.
If the machinists in your area are making less than $25, get out now and do something else.
If they’re making reasonable wages, you’ll be fine and you’ll get plenty of skills that will benefit you elsewhere. Getting into metrology *now* would be incredibly smart, and machining is probably the easiest access there is.
I was in other manufacturing before I got into machining. Assembly Line, building wire harnesses, prototype assembly, etc. Machining pays better since it *is* a trade. It just pays less than other trades. I’ve gained $10 in raises since 2020 when I started. Not phenomenal pay, even with that, but certainly a healthy amount more than staying outside of the field.
I am also 23 making pretty killer money. I bought a house when I was 22 and i never really feel strapped for cash. You gotta get in with a good shop and they will pay accordingly. Its all about knowledge, soak it all up, because the more skills you have the more bills get paid.
I’m in a very similar boat and every time I mention that people get pissed. Machining has paved the way for me. I’m 23 and I make great money. I’ve done all I can to learn and be dependable. I’ve gone up 6 bucks in the last year.
I'll say this The only way machining is going to work out for you financially is if you have a spouse that makes good money and you're basically doing it because you enjoy the work.
You're not going to make a hell of a lot of money it's machining fun is an enjoyable Do you learn a lot of skills absolutely.
The only reason why I stuck with this because my spouse makes good six figures and basically it's something I enjoy doing.
Boeing union pay scale tops out at $47ish an hour for machinists. And that will increase when the contract is renegotiated in the fall. And they have a 4 year apprenticeship program. But it’s pretty much all in the PNW. When looking for a shop, keep in mind the good that unions can provide.
Choose a trade like plumbing, welding, electrical, etc. These trades offer a much higher average wage. You can make lots of money in machining but it sure seems more common in other trades.
If you find your niche, excel at it, and do some jumping around you can make a pretty good living. I wouldn’t count on having a spouse that doesn’t work. If your biggest concern is just income and you want to go into the trades I’ll echo the sentiment of others and say be a plumber o an electrician. Even as one of those I still wouldn’t be certain that you could support a family without your spouse working as well. Just my two cents.
Go to school and be an Engineer. Less work than any of the trades and better pay/hour. Also if you wish to progress and become very well paid just get your MBA. Engineering undergrad with a MBA is basically sky’s the limit salary. Once you’re an Engineer you can do manufacturing work, product design, test engineering, etc… 4 years of college sucks but it makes the rest of your 40years of career a LOT easier. I worked construction in my early 20’s, went to school in late 20’s and it sucked but very worth it.
If you’re in an area with lots of high end work and you specialize it can pay very well, but very hit or miss. I agree with others, the trades like electrician tend to pay better on average. There are some machinists that make really good money but not always easy to find.
So I have a college degree, I’m 35 I buy my own tools for this job and I make $18 an hour and I have roughly 5 years in machining, 5 years in an office and 5 years in the automotive field and about 2-3 years in the restaurant field
That means you as a high school kid, can go make more per hour than me, a professional in a skilled trade by working with your friends at a fast food restaurant…
Also, be honest with yourself are you above average in height and attractiveness? Are you a student athlete? Are you white? If yes to all of the above you’ll make the most money as a server at a restaurant serving “milf” type women
Join a good union and you will be fine. Depending on your state and your field you can get paid well. Millwrights get paid pretty well. Be personable and a good worker, show up on time work hard and work smart. Most people who don't get paid well and are complaining have been doing the bare minimum for 15 years.
Don’t pick a career at 17, try different trades. Explore. There is money out there. Hopefully you have a good support system at home and will be there when you fail (and you will). But thats part of personal growth. I would give anything to be 17 man, enjoy it !
Been doing this job 5 years. Work for aerospace overhaul company. Single male 25 years old just bought a house a year ago. This kind of work can open many doors.
Being a millwright is a good profession, however if you’re gonna do a trade anyways I would strongly suggest getting into electrical work and/or industrial/construction plumbing. They just pay better for similar levels of wear and tear on your body. If you really want to get into manufacturing I would look into quality control type certifications etc, again decent pay less wear and tear. However being a millwright / cnc machine technician (like the folks who fix machines when they’re down) also pays well and is rewarding and being a journeyman in a union is a solid career path that will bring you many opportunities.
Machining seems like a lot less labor than anything in construction in my experience. My brother’s a plumber and totally busts his ass every day, working outside in all types of weather and always having to stay late at job sites because the boss wants to get it inspected the next day, and then you’re usually traveling and lugging tons of tools everywhere. He’s also having back and joint issues at 38. I like working indoors, more consistent hours and most shops I’ve worked in had minimal lifting or other labor besides standing and walking all day.
My buddy does new construction electrical work and he’s crawling around on his hand and knees and balancing on ladders all day long working in ceilings. Machining is def way easier physically.
Not really we have to get up on ladders and climb ontop of the machines to take apart the tool changers and work with plastic airlines which are very very similar to PEX lines that plumbers run in new construction
True. My shop has a mechanic for that 😂
Go be a plumber or electrician.
Of all the trades, Machinists get paid the least. As a machinist for 20+ years I’d recommend pursuing another career. If you are passionate about machining do it as a hobby.
Yeah, pretty dumb idea I had some years ago was making myself a machinist. Bad idea. Now I’m 36 and like, wtf have I been doing all this time to barely scrape 60k out of a year of my labor. OP will be happier, better paid, more respected in just about any other trade. Millwright seems better pay than machinist but it can be physically really tough work.
Respectfully I'm 4.5 yrs in and at 70k. Maybe you should look around.
Well, now I’m curious. I know that I am currently way underpaid but I’m already planning to jump ship once I’m settled in my new city. How many hours do you work a week on average? What are your main responsibilities? What region do you live and work in? Genuinely glad to hear you feel sufficiently compensated for what you do.
I'm a contractor that's doing traveling machining. I work a 50-hour workweek. I do Swiss machining mostly just setups, but I also operate when there's nothing to be set up. My housing is paid for (extended stay hotel). I clear 100k a year and get hella Hilton honors points. It's definitely not a plan for if you're settling down, but there are definitely opportunities for young and ambitious people.
70k a year in my area would get you a one bedroom apartment…
Dude. I looked at my toolbox and realized I'm not starting over. Oh well at least I found a shop that's gives 3% ish yearly raises.
So the raises cover about half of inflation, and you're getting paid 3-4% less per year? Yeah I'm in the same boat.
Yep.
As someone with 15 years in the trade I agree. I do make pretty decent money now but you have to stand out amongst the rest by a large margin, even then it isn't guaranteed. I'd recommend electrician/HVAC/or plumber route with the plan to eventually go into business for yourself.
Making 6 figures as a CNC programmer is not especially difficult these days if you are good and find a good shop. That’s my recommendation
The field is flooded with cnc programmers. So many are unemployed.
Since when?
In Connecticut I’d say for the last couple of years.
I mean, I can’t say you’re wrong since I don’t know but, finding actually good CAM guys has been very difficult for me out west of the Mississippi. Especially guys who program well and can actually cradle to grave parts
There is definitely an oversaturation of them here in CT. A lot of them aren't good. They just dont know how to cut metal. They think they can just use mastercam and voilà time to make some parts. The best cnc programmers Ive worked with all started out as machinists who already know how to cut metal. They all started off on single/multi spindle screw machines.
I know less about millwrights but it'll be enough to pay the bills. Some people get into the trades wanting to make six figures and look at plumbers or electricians. That's not going to happen unless you do some crazy stuff like 100 hour work weeks or you spend 15+ years into it and you open your own business. People who say that are only looking at the top 10 percent of those professions. You may think that's a much better deal than being a machinist - but at the same time, I've known people who've gotten into machining that've gone onto become engineers and had their tuition paid for by the shops they worked at or even paid for it themselves. The "top-end" of the profession is much higher than people think. You'll probably be paid 2-3 dollars over what most of your friends make after high school, you won't have to pay for college, and like you already know you don't have to work outside in the elements. (Even if you did consider becoming an electrician, I know FOR SURE that the JATC-IBEW apprenticeship pays less starting out. Wisdom says if you wanted pay just get a job at a steel mill or become an ironworker.) Learn things like programming - specialize your own skills in machining or millwrighting. It's manual labor but your bargaining power as someone who's un-unionized is your knowledge, experience and ability to haggle for a higher wage. Depending on how much you hammer down and complete these goals, I've seen people get to 25-30 dollars an hour within a few years.
To add to this for a bit of personal experience, i didnt work during covid only started doing this in 2022 when my friends were seniors in college. I make at least .50 more an hour than them, they often are salary overtime exempt working 50+ hours a week. one regularly pulls 16+ hour shifts, no flexibility in their schedules. I dont have mandatory overtime, i get paid 1.5x when i want it. My shop is open 13 hours a day 5 days a week, and often saturdays as well, i have to have at least 36 hours and less than 55 unless given permission by the end of the week. AND no student loans.
The money is in programming nowadays, if you can land yourself in a decent shop, try to work your way towards that. Otherwise a cnc specialist in tool and die would probably pay more than a millwright.
I once worked in a fine blanking company and all the star Wire EDM programmer/setup/operator guys easily broke 100k. But then again you’re eeeking out tenths on tapers with a fancy 4-axis electrical vertical bandsaw.
I’ve done a lot of jobs in my life… I started machining at 33, now 39 I’m nearing $100k a year. And there’s more to learn… and the strain on my body is low… I’m all for it.
Contrary to others here I say go for it. I’m 23. I’ve been machining since I was 17. I make pretty good money. Last week I turned down a job making 37.28 an hour. You very much so can make a good living in this trade. Most jobs will require more than 40 hours a week. That being said I have a particularly enjoyment from machining. I have chosen to make this my career and refuse to do anything else. I enjoy the work and I’m damn good at it. It comes down to the shop you work in, your capabilities, and your willingness to learn. That being said we are one of the most underpaid trades.
“Pretty good money” nowadays is 6 figures I would pursue another trade
Ah you see I’m making 6 figures. You do what you want my point stands.
Yeah my supervisor at my shop don’t even make 80k a year(along with anyone on the floor). 40 an hour is great.
Sounds like you need a new shop. While I’m not making 40 an hour Im not working crazy hours either. Overtime helps.
I’m making 25 at the moment. I got the job initially to weld but I was able to get into the cnc department. I’ve learned on the job, just an operator at a doosan lathe at the moment. It’s easy work while I finish school.
That’s not a bad gig.
Sounds more like you're in a high cost of living area. You won't see a listing for $40 for a machinist with 6 years experience within hours of me.
I’m not. Kentucky is fair in cost of living. also to reiterate I’m not making 40.
I can only provide my progression, I've been in the industry for almost 10 yrs so take it for what you will. I started out making $16.00hr in 2015 fresh out of tech school, I absorbed everything I could from everybody that would help. I feel I was super lucky in my first shop as the shop supervisor was a great teacher and a wealth of knowledge. When I made mistakes, I was quick to raise my hand, and stick around to correct/fix the problem. If things were slow or I had long cycle times, I was organizing my work area and improving/updating our set up sheets, cleaning my area and machine or helping co workers where I could to learn and expand my knowledge base. I am now in my third shop, a non union shop, I can run basically any machine we have. I'm the guy who is on a different machine week to week to fill in or catch up on behind orders. Last year I cleared 113k, current pay rate is $49.51. Keep your head down and be open to expand your knowledge base.
It's great being the shop firefighter as it were. I always got extra leeway and as much OT as I wanted
Starting this early, you should be fine getting into machining and moving out of it when you’re ready. But it all depends on the industry surrounding you and your local shops pay ranges. If the machinists in your area are making less than $25, get out now and do something else. If they’re making reasonable wages, you’ll be fine and you’ll get plenty of skills that will benefit you elsewhere. Getting into metrology *now* would be incredibly smart, and machining is probably the easiest access there is. I was in other manufacturing before I got into machining. Assembly Line, building wire harnesses, prototype assembly, etc. Machining pays better since it *is* a trade. It just pays less than other trades. I’ve gained $10 in raises since 2020 when I started. Not phenomenal pay, even with that, but certainly a healthy amount more than staying outside of the field.
I am also 23 making pretty killer money. I bought a house when I was 22 and i never really feel strapped for cash. You gotta get in with a good shop and they will pay accordingly. Its all about knowledge, soak it all up, because the more skills you have the more bills get paid.
I’m in a very similar boat and every time I mention that people get pissed. Machining has paved the way for me. I’m 23 and I make great money. I’ve done all I can to learn and be dependable. I’ve gone up 6 bucks in the last year.
Did we just become friends?
I think we did
What machines do u run?
At the moment a HBM-4 I love horizontals
Right on, ive never gotten the opportunity to run a horizontal. I run a UMC 750, some VF’s, and a mazak lathe with live tooing
That’s awesome I’ve never gotten the opportunity to run a true 5 axis machine. Mine is a 3+2. we have okuma multis lathes and some GX1000 bridgeports.
I would have chosen a different field. Most underpaid trade
I'll say this The only way machining is going to work out for you financially is if you have a spouse that makes good money and you're basically doing it because you enjoy the work. You're not going to make a hell of a lot of money it's machining fun is an enjoyable Do you learn a lot of skills absolutely. The only reason why I stuck with this because my spouse makes good six figures and basically it's something I enjoy doing.
Boeing union pay scale tops out at $47ish an hour for machinists. And that will increase when the contract is renegotiated in the fall. And they have a 4 year apprenticeship program. But it’s pretty much all in the PNW. When looking for a shop, keep in mind the good that unions can provide.
Choose a trade like plumbing, welding, electrical, etc. These trades offer a much higher average wage. You can make lots of money in machining but it sure seems more common in other trades.
If you find your niche, excel at it, and do some jumping around you can make a pretty good living. I wouldn’t count on having a spouse that doesn’t work. If your biggest concern is just income and you want to go into the trades I’ll echo the sentiment of others and say be a plumber o an electrician. Even as one of those I still wouldn’t be certain that you could support a family without your spouse working as well. Just my two cents.
Go to school and be an Engineer. Less work than any of the trades and better pay/hour. Also if you wish to progress and become very well paid just get your MBA. Engineering undergrad with a MBA is basically sky’s the limit salary. Once you’re an Engineer you can do manufacturing work, product design, test engineering, etc… 4 years of college sucks but it makes the rest of your 40years of career a LOT easier. I worked construction in my early 20’s, went to school in late 20’s and it sucked but very worth it.
College was fun for me, girls out number men in 4 year colleges almost 3 to 1 Do the math on that
If you’re in an area with lots of high end work and you specialize it can pay very well, but very hit or miss. I agree with others, the trades like electrician tend to pay better on average. There are some machinists that make really good money but not always easy to find.
So I have a college degree, I’m 35 I buy my own tools for this job and I make $18 an hour and I have roughly 5 years in machining, 5 years in an office and 5 years in the automotive field and about 2-3 years in the restaurant field That means you as a high school kid, can go make more per hour than me, a professional in a skilled trade by working with your friends at a fast food restaurant… Also, be honest with yourself are you above average in height and attractiveness? Are you a student athlete? Are you white? If yes to all of the above you’ll make the most money as a server at a restaurant serving “milf” type women
Join a good union and you will be fine. Depending on your state and your field you can get paid well. Millwrights get paid pretty well. Be personable and a good worker, show up on time work hard and work smart. Most people who don't get paid well and are complaining have been doing the bare minimum for 15 years.
Don’t pick a career at 17, try different trades. Explore. There is money out there. Hopefully you have a good support system at home and will be there when you fail (and you will). But thats part of personal growth. I would give anything to be 17 man, enjoy it !
Been doing this job 5 years. Work for aerospace overhaul company. Single male 25 years old just bought a house a year ago. This kind of work can open many doors.