Millwrights

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Replace defective parts of machine, or adjust clearances and alignment of moving parts.95
Align machines or equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, or plumb bobs.93
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.92
Signal crane operator to lower basic assembly units to bedplate, and align unit to centerline.91
Conduct preventative maintenance and repair, and lubricate machines and equipment.90
Assemble and install equipment, using hand tools and power tools.89
Assemble machines, and bolt, weld, rivet, or otherwise fasten them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.86
Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.85
Level bedplate and establish centerline, using straightedge, levels, and transit.83
Dismantle machines, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.82
Bolt parts, such as side and deck plates, jaw plates, and journals, to basic assembly unit.79
Lay out mounting holes, using measuring instruments, and drill holes with power drill.78

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Attach moving parts and subassemblies to basic assembly unit, using hand tools and power tools.77
Weld, repair, and fabricate equipment or machinery.76
Shrink-fit bushings, sleeves, rings, liners, gears, and wheels to specified items, using portable gas heating equipment.76
Troubleshoot equipment, electrical components, hydraulics, or other mechanical systems.75
Dismantle machinery and equipment for shipment to installation site, performing installation and maintenance work as part of team.73
Connect power unit to machines or steam piping to equipment, and test unit to evaluate its mechanical operation.72
Position steel beams to support bedplates of machines and equipment, using blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.72
Fabricate and dismantle parts, equipment, and machines, using a cutting torch or other cutting equipment.69
Install robot and modify its program, using teach pendant.69
Construct foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials such as wood, cement, and steel.65
Operate engine lathe to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.63
Inventory and store parts, tools, and equipment.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Equipment Maintenance69
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation69
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Troubleshooting69
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring66
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repairing66
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation and Control60
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Listening53
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Equipment Selection47
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing44
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation41
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mechanical95
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics84
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction81
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Education and Training69
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology62
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Public Safety and Security61
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language60
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Design57
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Physics55
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Production and Processing55
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management52
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Transportation48
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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Customer and Personal Service44
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics43
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Personnel and Human Resources43
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Chemistry40
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Administrative33
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Food Production32
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Law and Government32
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications32
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology31
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing31
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Communications and Media30
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting22
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Foreign Language21
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Biology19
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography16
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Therapy and Counseling16
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sociology and Anthropology15
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology13
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Medicine and Dentistry11
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Fine Arts7
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology7
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Manual Dexterity78
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness72
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision72
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity72
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Multilimb Coordination72
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Visualization72
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Extent Flexibility69
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Static Strength69
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength69
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

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Oral Comprehension60
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Hearing Sensitivity56
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Inductive Reasoning53
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Reaction Time53
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Dynamic Strength50
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium50
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control50
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation50
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Depth Perception47
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Coordination47
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Mathematical Reasoning44
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility44
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Written Expression44
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas41
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Glare Sensitivity41
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure41
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina41
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed41
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Spatial Orientation38
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Explosive Strength28
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Sound Localization28
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment94
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials89
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Handling and Moving Objects86
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing General Physical Activities82
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Controlling Machines and Processes81
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems81
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards79
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Documenting/Recording Information77
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings76
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work76
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Training and Teaching Others76
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment75
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Scheduling Work and Activities72
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others71
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment71
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge71
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates68
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Processing Information68
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others66
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Analyzing Data or Information61
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams61
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Thinking Creatively60
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others58
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others56
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Assisting and Caring for Others55
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People53
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources52
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization51
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information50
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Developing Objectives and Strategies47
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Working with Computers44
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Selling or Influencing Others43
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing Administrative Activities41
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units37
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment35
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public31
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail82
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness65
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance53
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation42
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Stress Tolerance42
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Confidence38
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Integrity37
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Adaptability33
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative30
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cooperation28
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity27
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Self-Control25
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Innovation13
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation12
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity6
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation1
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional44
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative28
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic10
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising2
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social0
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day91%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important91%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day77%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility73%
- High responsibility23%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually77%
- More than half the time18%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important68%
- Very important27%
Time Pressure
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours82%
- 40 hours14%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day59%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious59%
- Very serious32%

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Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others64%
- Contact with others most of the time23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results50%
- Important results41%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)45%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)45%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day55%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day68%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually41%
- More than half the time50%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day50%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day55%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
E-Mail
- Every day41%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important32%
- Very important36%
- Important27%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually41%
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time14%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility27%
- High responsibility45%
- Moderate responsibility18%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important18%
- Very important41%
- Important36%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom59%
- Limited freedom32%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom14%
- Some freedom41%
- Limited freedom41%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually27%
- More than half the time27%
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time27%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time41%
- About half the time36%
- Less than half the time14%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive32%
- Moderately competitive45%
- Slightly competitive14%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important14%
- Very important36%
- Important18%
- Not important at all23%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually18%
- About half the time36%
- Less than half the time36%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never14%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Important36%
- Fairly important41%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time41%
- Less than half the time45%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Continually or almost continually14%
- Less than half the time55%
- Never14%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)14%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)50%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)36%
Public Speaking
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never41%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
- Never32%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated55%
- Not at all automated32%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time82%
- Never18%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month59%
- Never32%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never50%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Align equipment or machinery.
Position equipment using hand tools, power tools, or heavy equipment.
Adjust the tension of nuts or bolts.
Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs.
Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
Maintain work equipment or machinery.
Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
Bolt objects into place.
Operate welding equipment.
Move materials, equipment, or supplies.

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Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Level machines or equipment.
Dismantle heavy equipment or machinery.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Lay out work according to specifications.
Fabricate parts or components.
Operate heating or drying equipment.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Install programs onto computer or computer-controlled equipment.
Grind parts to required dimensions.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Automated Equipment Engineer-Tech
Machine Erector
Millwright

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology