How to Become an Electrician in Michigan

A career as an electrician in Michigan is a great option if you are prepared to go through the training and licensing process. You can begin earning as an apprentice as you work toward a career that is hands-on, rewarding and helps people live better. The growth in electrician careers in Michigan is steady, with jobs increasing at a rate of 6 percent according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). [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.

The first step in becoming an electrician in the state of Michigan is to register as an apprentice and to enroll in classes. The registration application is a simple process that requires the details of the sponsoring employer and the payment of a $15 fee. To become licensed as a journeyman, the next step after being an apprentice, you must have at least 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience and pass an exam. The 8,000 hours may include classroom hours depending on individual factors.

To become a master electrician you must have worked as a journeyman for at least two years and have at least 12,000 hours of documented work experience. You also must pass another exam. Some master electricians choose to go on to get an electrical contractor license, which requires work as a master electrician for at least one year and a passing score on another exam. Both Grand Rapids and Detroit register apprentices and license journeymen, master and contractor electricians with similar requirements.

For Michigan electrical license renewal, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires that you complete continuing education. For Master, Journey, Fire Alarm Specialty Technician Licenses you will have to complete a 15 hour course on the 2017 Michigan Electrical Code and the 2017 National Electrical Code. The sign specialist license requires an 8 hour code course.

To obtain an electrical contractors license in Michigan, you must either hold a master electrician license and reside in the state or employ at least one person who does. The master electrician is responsible for state code compliance of all installations of electrical wiring and equipment.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Michigan

One path to becoming an electrician in Michigan is to enroll in and complete an approved apprenticeship program. All approved programs provide students with all the required classroom hours and work experience hours necessary to become a journeyman. The programs include 576 hours of class time and 8,000 hours working as an apprentice with a licensed electrical contractor and take four years to complete.

You can find approved programs in your area by contacting the Michigan Works! chapter closest to you or where you want to train. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW) chapters offer union-based apprenticeship programs throughout the state, but there are also non-union programs 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 also choose to attend a community college or trade school to get the required classroom hours. Some trade schools have approved apprenticeship programs as well. For those schools that do not, students can find a separate apprenticeship to acquire work experience hours for eventually becoming a journeyman.

• 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 2018, according to the BLS, there were 24,420 electricians working in Michigan. By 2028 there are expected to be 25,770. 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 2019 the average annual income for an electrician was $61,440. For more experienced electricians, contractors and those with specializations, the income can be even higher. The top earners in the state in 2019 were making $96,580 and more.

Salaries in Michigan by Occupation 2019

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	22,380	$30.04	$62,480	$33,920	$45,520	$76,030	$91,400
Helpers--Electricians	460	$18.12	$37,690	$27,490	$31,350	$44,850	$49,230
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	140	$29.91	$62,210	$44,600	$51,650	$72,970	$81,460
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	**	$31.04	$64,570	$41,210	$57,730	$74,850	$79,040
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	1,410	$42.76	$88,940	$65,150	$78,060	$101,550	$119,230
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	3,230	$35.03	$72,860	$35,990	$49,450	$93,560	$102,500

Electrician Salaries in Michigan by Region 2019

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	$29.25	$60,850	$17.47	$23.00	$35.13	$40.24
Ann Arbor, MI	580	$32.75	$68,120	$20.45	$28.65	$37.96	$43.14
Battle Creek, MI	310	$29.60	$61,580	$19.81	$26.78	$34.69	$37.59
Bay City, MI	160	$27.33	$56,840	$14.58	$19.63	$35.07	$38.57
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI	10,790	$33.35	$69,360	$17.79	$24.17	$39.00	$48.97
Flint, MI	810	$32.25	$67,080	$18.72	$27.29	$37.53	$44.01
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI	3,270	$23.30	$48,470	$14.64	$17.74	$28.30	$32.16
Jackson, MI	180	$26.82	$55,780	$17.06	$23.85	$30.33	$35.39
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI	650	$28.63	$59,550	$16.76	$24.76	$34.65	$38.11
Lansing-East Lansing, MI	950	$31.60	$65,730	$19.89	$24.53	$37.89	$43.45
Midland, MI	250	$25.50	$53,040	$15.55	$22.07	$29.97	$31.89
Monroe, MI	160	$30.17	$62,750	$16.75	$26.09	$36.00	$38.22
Niles-Benton Harbor, MI	210	$26.75	$55,650	$18.65	$21.00	$32.21	$37.97
Saginaw, MI	580	$27.37	$56,930	$19.84	$21.93	$34.20	$37.81

Working as an Electrician in Michigan

The growth in the industry in Michigan means that work opportunities for new and qualified electricians will be plentiful for years to come. Many electricians start out working for an electrical contractor, but eventually may become contractors and start their own businesses. Other opportunities for employment include working with developers and builders as well as government agencies. As long as you are ready to put in the time to train for this skilled trade, you can soon enjoy a great career as an electrician in Michigan.

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.

5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1495
(313) 845-9600
Electrical Technology – Analog Electronics – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program

Henry Ford College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Dearborn, Michigan. The college has about 12,755 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $3,014 and are $4,694 and $6,470 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,488, although this will vary with the program.

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

14500 E Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, Michigan 48088-3896
(586) 445-7999
Electronic Engineering Technology – Certificate Program, Electronic Engineering Technology – Associate Program

Macomb Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are offered at their campus in the city of Warren, MI. The college has in the order of 22,182 students in total, with most students on 2-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 $3,375 and are $6,041 and $7,649 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,592, although this will depend on the program.

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.

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