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Independent Contractor Millwright Jobs in Virginia

Machinist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$35.17/hr

Work independently, with others, or in groups. You will love it here if... * You put safety first ... Millwright Experience. Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!

Machinist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$35.17/hr

Work independently, with others, or in groups. You will love it here if... * You put safety first ... Millwright Experience. Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!

Machinist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$35.17/hr

Work independently, with others, or in groups. You will love it here if... * You put safety first ... Millwright Experience. Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!

Independent Contractor Millwright information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$28

$38

How much do independent contractor millwright jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor millwright in Virginia is $28.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor millwright?

Independent contractor millwrights are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, repair, and dismantle industrial machinery and equipment on a contract basis, rather than as employees of a single company. They often work with factories, power plants, and construction sites to ensure complex machinery operates smoothly and safely. As independent contractors, they manage their own schedules, handle business operations, and may work for multiple clients. Their work requires expertise in reading blueprints, aligning machinery, and using a variety of tools and welding equipment.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Millwright vs Industrial Millwright?

AspectIndependent Contractor MillwrightIndustrial Millwright
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like NCCER or Red Seal, and relevant experienceSame certifications often required, with additional company-specific training
Work EnvironmentFreelance or contract-based work at various sites, including factories, plants, and construction sitesFull-time employment within manufacturing or processing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple clients, working on diverse projects across industriesEmployed directly by a company or plant, focusing on ongoing maintenance and operations

While both roles require similar certifications and work in industrial settings, Independent Contractor Millwrights operate on a contract basis across various sites, offering flexibility. Industrial Millwrights are typically employed full-time within a single organization, focusing on consistent maintenance and installation tasks.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an independent contractor millwright?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Millwright, you need expertise in mechanical repair, equipment installation, blueprint reading, and typically a journeyman certification or relevant apprenticeship completion. Familiarity with precision tools, welding equipment, rigging systems, and safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help you work efficiently and independently on diverse projects. These skills ensure safe, accurate machinery installation and maintenance, which is critical for minimizing downtime and supporting client operations.

Where do independent contractor millwrights make the most money?

Independent contractor millwrights tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong industrial or manufacturing presence, often in areas with high demand for skilled trades and large-scale projects. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the complexity of the work also influence earning potential, with those working on specialized or large-scale installations typically earning more. Geographic location, industry demand, and the ability to secure contracts are key to maximizing income for millwright contractors.

What challenges might an independent contractor millwright face when working on multiple job sites?

Independent Contractor Millwrights often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to varying work environments, coordinating schedules across multiple sites, and ensuring compliance with each client's safety protocols. Since they frequently move between locations, they must stay organized to manage tools, supplies, and project documentation efficiently. Building strong communication skills is also essential for collaborating with different site managers and teams, as well as keeping up with changing project requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Millwright jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Millwright jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Millwright jobs in Virginia? For Independent Contractor Millwright jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Millwright jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Millwright jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Independent Contractor Millwright jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Independent Contractor Millwright job openings:

Traveling Construction Millwright

Robinson Construction

King William, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Traveling Construction Millwright

Robinson Construction is a Design-Build General Contractor specializing in the completion of process-intense manufacturing facilities throughout the United States. Our clients include heavy industrial, manufacturing; food grade processing plants, chemical and processing; power and renewable energy; healthcare facilities, and mining industries, as well as federal, state, and municipal agencies. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Reads blueprints and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.
  • Dismantles machinery or equipment, using hammers, wrenches, crowbars, and other hand tools.
  • Moves machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, and trucks.
  • Assembles and installs equipment, such as shafting, conveyors, and tram rails, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Constructs foundation for machines, using hand tools and building materials, such as wood cement, and steel.
  • Aligns and positions machines and equipment, using hoists, jacks, hand tools, squares, rules, micrometers, lasers, and plumb bobs. Tests machines and equipment and makes necessary adjustments.
  • Assembles machinery and bolts, welds, rivets, or otherwise fastens them to foundation or other structures, using hand tools and power tools.
  • May operate engine lathe or milling machine to grind, file, and turn machine parts to dimensional specifications.
  • Repairs and lubricates machinery and equipment.
  • Selects cables, ropes, chains, pulleys, winches, blocks, and sheaves, according to weight and size of load to be moved.
  • Attaches load with grappling devices, such as loops, wires, ropes, and chains, to crane hook.
  • Sets up, braces, and rigs hoisting equipment, using hand tools and power wrenches.
  • Takes personal responsibility for fostering a safe workplace by following safety policies and procedures.
  • May perform a variety of duties including those of other positions.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:                                                                                       

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Three or more years of Journeyman Millwright experience.
  • Industrial machine licenses (such as a forklift license) preferred.
  • Current OSHA 10 or MSHA Certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Ability to work successfully as a team and independently with moderate supervision.
  • Ability to understand and follow directions, communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Ability to visualize a layout by looking at plans and prints as well as comprehend and trouble-shoot mechanical systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Coordinate eye-hand movements with control and precision, use hands and fingers fully; reach for, manipulate and feel objects; stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
  • Climb and maintain body balance on ladders, scaffolding, or high structures; and see and hear well (either naturally or with correction).
  • Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, Stoop, lay, bend or squat for long periods of time.

OTHER:

  • Travel, overtime, holidays and weekend work may be required.

REQUIRED TOOLS:

Must possess and bring hand tools to each job site such as:

Squares, Levels, Hammers, Pry Bar, Plumb Bob, Wrenches, Allen Keys, Socket Wrenches, Pliers, Files, Trowels, Snips, Chisels, Pipe Wrenches, Clams, Punches and Reamers.

Robinson Construction is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  We will provide equal opportunity to all applicants and prohibit any discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Applicants are treated on the basis of their job-related qualifications, ability and performance.