Becoming an electrician in Michigan

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1 paid apprenticeship and 1 school program are listed here.

Jump to: License · Training · Pay

Licensing
Statewide worker license
Time to qualify
8,000 hours on the standard route; other routes can differ
Median pay
$76,270 $36.67 an hour
Outlook
2,450 openings a year, projected · 5.6% growth, 2024–2034

Do I need a license?

Yes. Michigan licenses electricians statewide. The journeyman-level credential is the Electrical Journeyman License, issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes. Its standard route requires 8,000 hours of experience; other routes can differ. Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, checked . Standard-route hours: Michigan Compiled Laws § 339.5715.

Before you start: In Michigan, registration is due after you are hired rather than before you start. Deadline: within 30 days after employment. Credential: Apprentice Electrician registration, issued by Michigan LARA Bureau of Construction Codes (Electrical Administrative Board). Official source, checked .

Your path, step by step

  1. Apprentice Electrician Registration

    Experience
    Not stated
    Classroom
    Not stated
    Exam
    Not stated

    Source: Michigan LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, Electrical examination, licensing/registration and application information · Find a paid apprenticeship in Michigan

  2. Electrical Journeyman License

    Experience
    8,000 hours
    Classroom
    Not stated
    Exam
    Required
    Holding the previous license
    At least 4 years

    Source: Michigan LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, Electrical examination, licensing/registration and application information

  3. Master Electrician License

    Experience
    12,000 hours in total, including earlier steps
    Classroom
    Not stated
    Exam
    Required
    Holding the previous license
    At least 2 years

    Source: Michigan Compiled Laws 339.5713 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act)

Each step lists what its official source states for that license. Hours aren't added up across steps; a step says whether its hours include earlier steps' only where its source does. "Not stated" means the source doesn't give it. Checked .

Full Michigan licensing requirements · 8 more licenses · How licensing works

How do I train?

Apprenticeships pay you while you learn. Schools teach first, then you find work. Which is right for me?

Paid apprenticeships 1

Michigan apprenticeships (1)

School programs 1

Michigan schools (1)

What does it pay?

What the work pays here, and how to decide.

Electricians in Michigan earn a median of $76,270 a year ($36.67 an hour), according to BLS May 2025 OEWS estimates. That is about 21% above the national median of $63,190. About one in ten electricians here earns under $42,980 a year and about one in ten over $103,120.

Employment is projected to grow 5.6% over 2024–2034, with about 2,450 openings a year.

Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS · Projections Central · Michigan salary details

Nearby states: Indiana 2 · Ohio 3 · Wisconsin 4

Listings here last checked