How to Become an Electrician in Michigan
A career as an electrician in Michigan offers steady job growth and hands-on work. Training and licensing are required, but apprentices can earn while they learn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrician jobs in Michigan are growing at a 13% rate. [En Español]
Michigan Electrical License Requirements
In Michigan the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) handles licensing for electricians. The Department registers apprentices (there is no Michigan apprentice license) and offers licensing for journeymen, master electricians and electrical contractors. There are also specialty licenses for fire alarm technicians and contractors and signs specialists. The cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids license electricians separately through the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department and the City of Grand Rapids.
To become an electrician in Michigan, the first step is to register as an apprentice and enroll in classes. The registration process requires employer details and a $15 fee. To qualify for a journeyman license, apprentices must complete at least 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience and pass an exam. Some classroom hours may count toward the total, depending on individual circumstances.
To become a master electrician in Michigan, you must work as a journeyman for at least two years and complete 12,000 hours of documented work experience. You must also pass a licensing exam. Some master electricians pursue an electrical contractor license, which requires one year of experience as a master electrician and another exam. Grand Rapids and Detroit have similar requirements for registering apprentices and licensing journeymen, master electricians, and contractors.
For Michigan electrical license renewal, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires continuing education. Master electricians, journeymen, and fire alarm specialty technicians must complete a 15-hour course on the 2017 Michigan Electrical Code and the 2017 National Electrical Code. Sign specialists must complete an 8-hour code course.
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Michigan, you must either hold a master electrician license and reside in the state or employ at least one master electrician. The master electrician ensures compliance with state electrical codes for all wiring and equipment installations.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Michigan
One way to become an electrician in Michigan is to complete an approved apprenticeship program. These programs provide the required 576 classroom hours and 8,000 work hours needed for a journeyman license. Apprentices work under a licensed electrical contractor, and the program takes four years to complete.
To find an approved apprenticeship program in Michigan, contact your local Michigan Works! chapter or the location where you want to train. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers union-based apprenticeships statewide, while non-union programs are also available.
IBEW programs are in collaboration with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) in the form of Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) and require that applicants are at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have passed one year of algebra curriculum and can pass a drug test and physical. There are IBEW programs available in Detroit (Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center – IBEW Local 58), Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo Electrical JATC – IBEW Local 131), Battle Creek (Battle Creek Electrical JATC – IBEW Local 445), Traverse City (IBEW Local 498), Flint (Flint/Saginaw Electrical JATC – IBEW Local 948), Lansing (Lansing Electrical JATC – IBEW Local 665), Bay City (Bay City Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, IBEW Local 692), and at Gwinn in the Upper Peninsula (IBEW Local 906) and Coopersville in West Michigan (West Michigan Electrrical JATC – IBEW Local 275).
Michigan Schools for Electricians
Aspiring electricians can complete required classroom hours at a community college or trade school. Some trade schools offer approved apprenticeship programs, while others require students to find a separate apprenticeship to gain the necessary work experience for a journeyman license.
- Mid Michigan Community College, Harrison. Mid Michigan has a state-approved electrical apprentice program that includes all the required classroom hours, online classes and placement as an apprentice.
- Wayne County Community College District. With multiple campuses in and around Detroit, this school offers an electrical electronics engineering associate degree to students throughout the region. The program provides necessary coursework for aspiring electricians and also prepares students for entry-level jobs.
- Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn. Students here can complete an associate degree program in electrical technology or earn a certificate in analog electronics, digital electronics, basic electronics or automation controls.
- Lansing Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Alpena Community College, Northern Michigan University and Delta College also offer lineworker and Electrical and Power Transmission Installation programs for those looking for a lineman school in Michigan.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
In 2023, according to the BLS, there were 21,730 electricians working in Michigan. By 2032 there are expected to be 24,570. This increase means that if you are studying to become an electrician, there should be plenty of opportunities for work in this growing field, state-wide.
In addition to such a great outlook for jobs, you can also expect to earn a good living as an electrician in Michigan. The average annual income for an electrician in the state is $73,840 (BLS May 2025 OEWS data). For more experienced electricians, contractors and those with specializations, the income can be even higher. The top 10% earn $103,120 or more.
Salaries in Michigan by Occupation
| Occupation | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Wage | Annual Salary 10th Percentile | Annual Salary 25th Percentile | Annual Salary 75th Percentile | Annual Salary 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | 21,730 | $30.28 | $62,980 | $38,160 | $48,270 | $80,450 | $94,240 |
| Helpers--Electricians | ** | $20.02 | $41,640 | $34,160 | $36,470 | $56,580 | $59,250 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | ** | $29.93 | $62,250 | $42,280 | $45,150 | $71,760 | $89,040 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | ** | $31.25 | $65,000 | $46,540 | $54,430 | $77,900 | $82,660 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 2,100 | $31.25 | $65,000 | $46,540 | $54,430 | $77,900 | $82,660 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 3,590 | $48.53 | $100,940 | $51,210 | $76,230 | $114,350 | $122,250 |
Electrician Salaries in Michigan by Region
| Area | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary | Hourly Wage 10th Percentile | Hourly Wage 25th Percentile | Hourly Wage 75th Percentile | Hourly Wage 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 770 | $37.14 | $77,250 | $19.31 | $25.68 | $39.02 | $45.51 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 580 | $38.35 | $79,770 | $19.82 | $28.89 | $44.34 | $46.73 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 310 | $33.20 | $69,060 | $18.60 | $24.72 | $40.76 | $40.76 |
| Bay City, MI | 160 | $30.74 | $63,940 | $18.73 | $22.38 | $36.35 | $38.79 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 10,790 | $32.61 | $67,820 | $18.81 | $24.17 | $39.16 | $48.04 |
| Flint, MI | 810 | $34.45 | $71,660 | $17.86 | $22.95 | $38.71 | $44.95 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 3,270 | $29.39 | $61,120 | $18.07 | $22.61 | $37.28 | $40.32 |
| Jackson, MI | 180 | $30.06 | $62,520 | $17.99 | $23.11 | $40.33 | $51.41 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 650 | $29.25 | $60,830 | $18.00 | $22.82 | $39.26 | $44.31 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 950 | $31.83 | $66,200 | $18.64 | $23.06 | $37.90 | $40.29 |
| Midland, MI | 250 | $23.00 | $47,830 | $14.85 | $17.94 | $30.16 | $37.46 |
| Monroe, MI | 160 | $31.77 | $66,080 | $18.12 | $24.31 | $39.20 | $47.16 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 210 | $28.79 | $59,870 | $18.24 | $22.68 | $38.75 | $50.61 |
| Saginaw, MI | 580 | $29.09 | $60,510 | $18.12 | $24.15 | $38.69 | $40.22 |
Working as an Electrician in Michigan
The growing demand for electricians in Michigan ensures strong job opportunities for years to come. Many electricians start with an electrical contractor before becoming contractors themselves and opening their own businesses. Other job options include working with developers, builders, and government agencies. With the right training, you can build a successful career in this skilled trade.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Electrician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpena Community CollegeAlpena, MI(989) 356-9021665 Johnson St1,530 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,0102024-25 | $1,336 to $10,113by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Delta CollegeUniversity Center, MI(989) 686-90001961 Delta Road7,646 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,5502024-25 | $2,466 to $10,931by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids, MI(616) 234-4000143 Bostwick Ave NE12,142 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,2892024-25 | $9,228 to $15,347by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Henry Ford CollegeDearborn, MI(313) 845-96005101 Evergreen Rd11,239 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $5,6442024-25 | $55 to $8,653by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Jackson CollegeJackson, MI(517) 787-08002111 Emmons Rd4,975 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,3102024-25 | $4,763 to $13,553by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Kellogg Community CollegeBattle Creek, MI(269) 965-3931450 North Ave3,734 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $6,0982024-25 | $1,811 to $10,773by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MI(517) 483-1957610 N Capitol Ave9,207 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,7002024-25 | $2,607 to $9,411by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Macomb Community CollegeWarren, MI(586) 445-799914500 E Twelve Mile Rd15,983 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $6,6302024-25 | $4,136 to $10,688by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI(517) 355-185551,316 students, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $16,4582024-25 | $8,119 to $28,327by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Mott Community CollegeFlint, MI(810) 762-02001401 E Court St6,482 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,4052024-25 | $3,919 to $10,783by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City, MI(231) 995-10001701 E Front St3,146 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,7222024-25 | $3,620 to $11,821by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills, MI(248) 232-41002900 Featherstone Road13,831 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $5,5602024-25 | $2,628 to $11,208by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.
Neighbor States
Residents of Michigan may also wish to review their options in Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.
More Electrician Training in Michigan
- What Are the Best Michigan Electrical Apprenticeship Programs?
- Best Electrician Programs in Detroit: Dorsey Business Schools — Dearborn vs. Henry Ford College
- Electrician Training: Detroit Training Institute of Technology vs SEMCA
