Millwrights

Millwrights score 2 out of 100, which is low exposure to AI. That ranks #866 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 23 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 0 on its own and 1 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 1 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

2/ 100

Low

Rank: #866of 923 jobs
US workers: 40,330BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $65,700a year
In real AI use: 1 of 23tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (4%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 22 (96%)

Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Attach moving parts and subassemblies to basic assembly unit, using hand tools and power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Position steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment, using blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Shrink-fit bushings, sleeves, rings, liners, gears, and wheels to specified items, using portable gas heating equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Dismantle machinery and equipment for shipment to installation site, performing installation and maintenance work as part of team.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Weld, repair, and fabricate equipment or machinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Fabricate and dismantle parts, equipment, and machines, using a cutting torch or other cutting equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Construct foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials such as wood, cement, and steel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Troubleshoot equipment, electrical components, hydraulics, or other mechanical systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Connect power unit to machines or steam piping to equipment, and test unit to evaluate its mechanical operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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This job is already among the least exposed in its field.

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Questions about millwrights and AI

Will AI replace millwrights?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Millwrights score 2 out of 100 (low exposure), #866 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 1 of the job's 23 tasks, 0 of them on its own, while 22 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which millwrights tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant".

Which millwrights tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "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"; "Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit"; "Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 1 of the 23 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as millwrights, and what do they earn?

About 40,330 people in the US, with median pay of $65,700 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.