Millwright Salary in California (2025)
Millwrights in California earn a median salary of $75,400 per year, or $36.27/hr. The state has roughly 4,560 millwright jobs with a projected growth rate of 16.0% over the next decade.
Millwright Pay by Experience Level in California
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in California start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $21.76/hr | $45,300/yr |
| Journeyman | $36.27/hr | $75,400/yr |
| Master | $47.15/hr | $98,100/yr |
| Foreman | $50.78/hr | $105,600/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$21.76
Annual
$45,300
Journeyman
Hourly
$36.27
Annual
$75,400
Master
Hourly
$47.15
Annual
$98,100
Foreman
Hourly
$50.78
Annual
$105,600
Union vs. Non-Union Millwright Pay in California
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in California. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union millwrights in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for millwrights
Union millwrights earn $9.07/hr more (25.8% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for Millwrights in California
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for millwrights in California.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | San Francisco | $41.71/hr | $86,800 |
| 🥈 | San Jose | $40.62/hr | $84,500 |
| 🥉 | Los Angeles | $39.17/hr | $81,500 |
| #4 | San Diego | $38.08/hr | $79,200 |
| #5 | Sacramento | $37/hr | $77,000 |
California vs. National Average
How does California stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for millwrights.
California vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
California pays $7.77/hr more than the national average (+27.3%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many millwrights in California earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $36.27/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $54.41/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $28,300 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Millwright salaries in California vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level millwrights typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level millwrights in California typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union millwrights earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified millwright depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Millwright work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The California job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified millwrights have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a millwright's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in California tend to pay millwrights 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.