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 2020, according to the BLS, there were 21,730 electricians working in Michigan. By 2030 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, statewide.

In addition to such a great outlook for jobs, you can also expect to earn a good living as an electrician in Michigan. In 2020 the average annual income for an electrician was $62,980. For more experienced electricians, contractors and those with specializations, the income can be even higher. The top earners in the state in 2020 were making $94,240 and 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 Programs

• Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area
• Battle Creek, MI
• Bay City, MI
• Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division
• Flint, MI
• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
• Jackson, MI
• Lansing-East Lansing, MI
• Monroe, MI
• Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area
• Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area
• Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division

Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area Area

3000 N Stiles Rd, Scottville, Michigan 49454-0277
(231) 845-6211
Electrical-Electronic Systems – Certificate Program, Electrical-Electronic Systems – Associate Program

West Shore Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in Scottville in Mason County. This public college has about 1,235 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $2,930 and are $4,466 and $5,810 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program.

Battle Creek, MI Area

450 North Ave, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017-3397
(269) 965-3931
Industrial Electricity & Electronics – Certificate Program, Industrial Electricity & Electronics – Associate Program

Kellogg Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. This public college has around 5,081 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are likely to be about $3,928 and are $6,072 and $8,480 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $2,070, although this varies from program to program.

Bay City, MI Area

1961 Delta Road, University Center, Michigan 48710
(989) 686-9000
Electrical – Advanced – Certificate Program, Electrician (Industrial) – Associate Program

Delta College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in University Center in Bay County. The college has approximately 9,291 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $3,800 and are $6,080 and $10,910 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,768, although this will vary with the program.

Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division Area

18660 Ford Rd, Detroit, Michigan 48228
(313) 982-3730
Electrical Technician – Certificate Program

Dorsey Business Schools’s Certificate program in Electrical Technician is based at their Dearborn campus in the city of Detroit, Michigan. The college has roughly 326 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The cost of tuition is usually about $20,472 for each academic year.

18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152-2696
(734) 462-4400
Electronic Technology – Certificate Program

The Electronic Technology Certificate program in Electronic Technology at Schoolcraft College is taught at their campus in the city of Livonia, MI. This public college has in the order of 11,687 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $3,668 and are $4,942 and $6,866 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost about $1,456, although this will vary with the program.

Flint, MI Area

1401 E Court St, Flint, Michigan 48503-2089
(810) 762-0200
Electronics and Electrical Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electronics and Electrical Technology at Mott Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Flint, MI. The college has in the order of 8,617 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $3,996 and are $5,098 and $6,968 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost about $1,006, although this will vary with the program.

Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Area

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-3295
(616) 234-4000
Electrical Controls – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Electrical Controls at Grand Rapids Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Grand Rapids. The majority of of the school’s 14,926 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,487 and are $6,945 and $10,081 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $965, depending on the program chosen.

Jackson, MI Area

2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson, Michigan 49201-8399
(517) 787-0800
Electrician – Associate Program, Electrician – Certificate Program

Jackson College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are taught at their campus in Jackson in Jackson County, MI. This public college has approximately 5,440 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $5,984 and are $8,288 and $10,624 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,728, depending on the program chosen.

Lansing-East Lansing, MI Area

419 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7210
(517) 483-1957
Electrical Utility Lineworker – Certificate Program, Electrical Apprenticeship – Associate Program

Lansing Community College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Lansing. The college has in the region of 14,851 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $3,470 and are $6,560 and $9,650 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $800, although this will vary with the program.

East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1046
(517) 355-1855
Electrical Engineering – Certificate Program

Michigan State University’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the city of NULL, Michigan. This is a full, 4-year public college with 50,538 students, of which 77% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $14,460 and for students from other states around $39,406 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,084, depending on the program chosen.

Monroe, MI Area

1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161-9746
(734) 242-7300
Electrical Engineering Technology – Certificate Program

Monroe County Community College’s Certificate-level Electrical Engineering Technology program is based at their campus in Monroe in Monroe County, MI. The college has in the order of 3,192 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $3,890 and are $6,380 and $7,025 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,272, although this will vary with the program.

Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area Area

665 Johnson St, Alpena, Michigan 49707
(989) 356-9021
Electrical System Technologists – Certificate Program, Electrical System Technologists – Associate Program

Alpena Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in Alpena in Alpena County. The college has in the order of 1,493 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $4,410 and are $6,630 and $6,630 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,000, although this will vary with the program.

Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan Nonmetropolitan Area Area

1701 E Front St, Traverse City, Michigan 49686
(231) 995-1000
Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical at Northwestern Michigan College is based at their campus in the town of Traverse City. The majority of of the school’s 4,264 students are on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are usually about $4,106 and are $7,463 and $9,425 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,500, although this will vary with the program.

Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division Area

2480 Opdyke Rd, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304-2266
(248) 341-2000
Electrical Trades Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical / Electronics Technology – Associate Program

Oakland Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in Bloomfield Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The college has in the order of 21,061 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $2,360 and are $4,376 and $4,376 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,450, depending on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

Residents of Michigan may also wish to review their options in Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Michigan?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Michigan made an average of $62,480 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $33,920 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $91,400.