Employment of millwrights is expected to decline 5 percent from 2010 to 2020. Although the increased use of machinery in manufacturing will require millwrights to install this equipment, the demand for workers is driven largely by manufacturing businesses purchasing new equipment, and purchasing is expected to remain flat over the coming decade.
In addition, the greater reliability of many new computer-controlled machines should slow the growth of millwrights somewhat.
Despite declining employment, applicants with broad skills in machine maintenance should have favorable job opportunities. The need to replace the many skilled workers who are expected to retire should be the reason for most job openings. Some employers have reported difficulty in recruiting young workers with the necessary skills.
Millwrights are not as affected by changes in production levels as are other manufacturing workers. They often stay during production downtime to overhaul major equipment and to keep expensive machinery in working order.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition